Army: Civilian tips thwart NPA bid to establish foothold in Agusan

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — The Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) said information from residents helped government forces respond to the presence of the New People’s Army (NPA), leading to encounters in Barangay Bakingking, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, last Sept. 10.

The Joint Task Force Diamond and the 4ID said the incident highlighted the role of communities under the government’s Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) framework in identifying emerging threats and working with authorities to protect peace and security.

The encounters involved troops from the 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade, including the 1st Special Forces Battalion and 8th Infantry Battalion, during operations against Headquarters Force Neo of the NPA’s North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

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READ: CPP confirms death of senior NPA member in Agusan clash

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The military reported that four NPA rebels were killed, three others surrendered, and six high-powered firearms were recovered during a series of encounters in Barangay Bakingking from September 10 to 12.

Among those killed was Julia Cagadas, also known by the aliases Rheda, Toyang, Yoko, and Kayuka, whom the Army identified as secretary of the NPA’s North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

The military also identified the other fatalities as Jonny Almonte Lindayo, alias Kikoy/Bugkoy; Rochamae Bihag, alias Maki; and Gerald Basahon, alias Doydoy.

The Communist Party of the Philippines–North Central Mindanao Region later confirmed the deaths of the four individuals and released its own account identifying them as members of its organization. /mcm