By Alexander Lopez
BUTUAN CITY – The Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) confirmed Sunday the death of the top leader of the People’s Army-North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NPA-NCMRC) and three other rebels following a series of encounters over the weekend.
The clashes took place Thursday to Saturday in the boundaries of Agusan del Sur and the province of Bukidnon, Lt. Col. Jorge Jallorina, commander of 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) under the operational control of 403rd Infantry Brigade (403Bde), said during a press conference.
The “coordinated and focused military operation” targeted remnants of the NCMRC led by its secretary, Julia Cagadas (alias Rheda).
Cagadas, alias “Maki,” Jonny Lindayo (alias “Kikoy/Bugkoy”), and alias “Doydoy” were killed.
Three NPA members also surrendered to the operating troops following the second encounter on Saturday. Government troops recovered six high-powered firearms.
“With the death of Cagadas and other key leaders of NCMRC, they are no longer capable of inflicting violent activities, though there are still remnants of the group that are operating in parts of Misamis Oriental,” 403Bde commander Brig. Gen. Seigfred Tubalado said.
In a separate statement on Sunday, the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) said sustained military pressure and the disruption of NCMRC’s support networks left its remaining members facing serious logistical difficulties, including food shortages.
“The group reportedly moved toward Esperanza (in Agusan del Sur) to seek food and other support that eventually led into encounters with government troops,” the EastMinCom said. (/PNA)
