By Alexander Lopez

RECOVERED ITEMS. Government forces recovered two high-powered firearms, backpacks, and subversive documents following a skirmish that took place in Prosperidad town, Agusan del Sur, province on Tuesday (March 4, 2025). The skirmish left one New People’s Army rebel dead. (Photo courtesy of 401Bde)

BUTUAN CITY – A New People’s Army (NPA) insurgent was killed in a clash on Tuesday in Prosperidad town, Agusan del Sur.province, the military reported Wednesday.

In a statement, the Philippine Army’s 401st Infantry Brigade (401Bde) identified the fatality as “Darwin,” a member of the NPA Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad Southland-North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

“The operation was initiated in response to reports from concerned residents about activities of the NPA in the area, including extortion and other disruptive actions affecting local communities,” said Col. Emil Cruz, the acting commander of 401Bde.

The 30-minute gunfight, which occurred in Barangay Magsaysay, also resulted in the confiscation of an M16 rifle, an AR18 rifle, backpacks, a bandolier, and subversive documents left at the encounter site.

The remains of the neutralized NPA rebel were immediately handed over to the local government unit of Prosperidad for proper disposition.

Following the encounter, the 401Bde conducted dialogues and distributed informational materials in nearby barangays to reassure residents of their safety and security.

Cruz also renewed the call on the remaining NPA rebels to surrender and reintegrate into society, encouraging them to abandon armed struggle in favor of a peaceful and productive life. (PNA)