FOUR suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA), including a high‑ranking official of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, have been killed in a series of clashes along the border of Agusan del Sur and Bukidnon, the Philippine Army confirmed. The successive encounters took place from Thursday through Saturday as government forces pursued remaining elements of the communist group in the area.
Military authorities identified the slain leader as Julia Cagadas, alias “Rheda,” reported to be the Secretary of the NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Committee. Also killed were two other members identified as Jonny Lindayo, alias “Kikoy/Bugkoy,” and a rebel known only by the alias “Doydoy.” The fourth fatality has yet to be formally identified.
Following the second clash on Saturday, three additional suspected NPA members surrendered to government troops, and soldiers recovered six high‑powered firearms from the encounter sites. Brigadier General Seigfred Tubalado, Commander of the Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade, stated that the loss of key leaders will significantly impair the group’s ability to conduct armed operations and sustain organizational cohesion.
The Eastern Mindanao Command noted that remaining NPA fighters in the area are increasingly suffering from severe shortages of food and essential supplies due to sustained military pressure. Government operations continue in the region to track down and neutralize the remaining members of the group.
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