THREE alleged high-ranking communist rebel officials were killed by government forces in an encounter in Sto. Niño, Cagayan on Thursday.
Killed by the troops of the 17th Infantry Battalion and Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in a five-minute firefight were leaders of the New Peoples’ Army Komiteng Probinsya (KOMPROB) Cagayan, Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley (KR-CV).
Those killed were identified as Saturnino Agunoy alias Peping, Head of the Regional Operations Department of KR-CV, Mark Canta alias Uno, Giyang Politikal, West Front Committee, and alias Val, medical officer of the West Front Committee.
Agunoy had 12 cases of qualified assault with murder, and another two cases of qualified assault without murder, arson, and rebellion.
LtC Oliver C Logan, 17IB Battalion Commander, said troops were just conducting a security patrol in the area when the residents informed them about the presence of the CTG.
“Upon verifying the information, members of the CTG fired our operating troops which they retaliated. The firefight lasted for five minutes which resulted in the death of their three leaders. Before this, we have learned that the terrorist group in the area was led by the notorious alias Simoy,” he said.
“Some of the members of the CTG scampered in a different direction. So, we alerted our nearest patrol bases and the PNP to conduct blocking position and checkpoint for their possible apprehension,” the Battalion Commander added.
Troops recovered in the encounter site two cal. 45 pistol, one hand grenade, one backpack, one Lenovo laptop with charger, one Cherry Mobile smart phone, one USB and personal items, one backpack with medical supplies (12 syringes, three IV fluids, bandages, 30 gauze pad, etc) and subversive documents with high intelligence value.
BGen Steve Crespillo, Brigade Commander of the 501st Infantry Brigade extended his condolences to the families of the killed individuals and warned the remaining member of the CTG.
“As much as possible we intend to save lives that is why we are encouraging the members of the terrorist group to return to the folds of the law. Though we are saddened with the death of these three NPA leaders, let this be a warning to the remaining CTG members to lay down their arms before it’s too late,” he said.
“We value lives but we will protect our people at all costs even at risk against terrorism.”
