By Alexander Lopez

SLAIN REBEL. Two New People’s Army rebels, one of whom was a finance officer, were killed in an encounter in Barangay San Roque, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur on Friday (April 17, 2026). One rebel also surrendered to government forces after the skirmish. (Photo courtesy of 30IB)

BUTUAN CITY – Two New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in an encounter in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur on Friday.

In a news release Saturday, the 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) identified the slain rebels as alias “Madi/Luis,” the finance officer of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), and alias “Plender/Morning.”

Another NPA member, identified as alias “Junjun,” a member of the Regional Operations Command of NEMRC, surrendered after the encounter.

“Madi/Luis was once captured on Oct. 15, 2006, after an encounter in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur, and was charged with rebellion and sentenced to 12 to 14 years of imprisonment,” the 30IB said.

After serving her sentence, she returned to the underground and was named the finance officer of NEMRC, which is commanded by her husband, alias “Bong Waco.”

On Wednesday, an encounter also took place in Sitio Bulacan, Barangay Bolhoon in the same town, where an NPA rebel was also killed and five firearms were recovered.

“The military operations will continue,” Lt. Col. Rey Vergel Annogui, the commander of 30IB, assured.

He also urged remnants of NEMRC to surrender and avail of government programs and services. (PNA)