A HIGH-RANKING member of the New People’s Army (NPA), tagged as an extortionist was killed during an armed encounter on Friday afternoon, February 28 in Damulog, Bukidnon.
In a report provided by 1003rd Infantry Brigade commander Colonel Nolasco Mempin on Saturday, the slain NPA member was identified as Eduardo Arnado, alias Choi.
Arnado is the Deputy Secretary of Guerilla Front 53 and a known extortionist operating in North Cotabato and Bukidnon Provinces.
The clash came after the joint troops of the 3rd and 19th Infantry Battalions (IB) were conducting a security patrol in Damulog, Bukidnon. The patrol was in response to a report that a heavily armed group was sighted in a remote area at Sitio Lamparuc, Barangay Sampagar, Damulog, Bukidnon.
On Friday, at around 2:30 p.m., the army encountered a group of ten NPA members. This led to a firefight that lasted about 10 minutes. After the armed group fled leaving behind their belongings and the cadaver of Arnado.
Recovered from the encounter site were one caliber .45 pistol with magazine and ammunition, spent shells from various high powered firearms, subversive documents, and personal belongings left by the fleeing NPA members.
Government troops are conducting a pursuit operation against the fleeing members of the group as of the writing of this report.
As of Saturday, no one has claimed the cadaver of Arnado.
Mempin assured that no civilians were hurt during the encounter and residents were assured by the troops, in a dialogue, that the area is already safe.