Top NPA leader killed in clash with gov’t soldiers

A CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNT) leader identified as Allan Aguilando @Jarex, secretary of the Sangay ng Partido sa Platun (SPP), Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Emporium, was killed in a firefight with the elements of the 43rd Infantry (We Search) Battalion, Philippine Army on May 26 at 5:57 a.m in Brgy. New Rizal, this municipality.

The encounter ensued when the government security forces chanced upon the five CNTs who were reportedly harassing the local populace of said village.

The killed CNT leader is said to be notorious of sowing terror to the people whenever the NPA demands food and money from them.

A .45 caliber pistol was seized by the elements of the 43rd IB at the encounter site.

Lieutenant Colonel Raymundo C. Picut Jr., commanding officer of the 43IB lauded his operating troops for the achievement and expressed gratitude to the barangay residents for providing timely information leading to the success of the gunfight.

“Without the good rapport established by the Army with the local community, this internal security operation is impossible,” Picut said.

In his statement, Colonel Lowell R. Tan, commander of the 803rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade, Philippine Army said, “The neutralization of the enemy, with the aid of civilian information, is a manifestation of the people’s desire to stop the harassment caused by the terrorists. If only the enemy recognizes this, we could possibly avoid unnecessary bloodshed,” Tan stressed. (803Bde, 8ID, PA)