AN ENCOUNTER between the New People's Army (NPA) and government troops left one rebel dead in KM 27, Barangay Mahayahay, San Luis town, Agusan del Sur over the weekend.
A 30-minute firefight ensued between the 26th Infantry Battalion and communist guerrillas under Guerrilla Front 88 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Command, led by a certain Gerondio Domino.
"Nakatanggap kami ng mga impormasyon na may mga presensya ng teroristang NPA sa kanilang lugar kaya nagsagawa kami agad ng combat operation sa area para maprotektahan ang komunidad laban sa mga pang-aabuso ng mga teroristang ito," said Lieutenant Colonel Romeo Jimenea, 26IB commander.
Recovered from the clash site were 2 M16A1 rifles, ammunition for AK47 rifle and cal. 22 revolver, 1 hand grenade, 35 pieces of blasting cap, cellphones, radios, and some medical paraphernalia.
The military identified the dead rebel as 25-year-old alias Kilyan, leader of the NPA's political guide for their propaganda unit. He was allegedly leading recruitment in the area.
"Ang katulad ni Alyas Kilyan ang dapat tinutugis dahil sia ang ugat ng mga propaganda at kasinungalingan ng komunistang grupo," Jimenea said.
Pursuit operation against the rebels continue, the military said.
Brigadier General Andres Centino, commander of the 401st Brigade, meanwhile said they were saddened with the death of the rebel. He urged the others to surrender instead, and get back to the mainstream life.