TWO members of the New People's Army (NPA) were killed in an encounter with government troops in Sitio Lower Mapula, Barangay Mapula in Paquibato District, Davao City at 9:40 a.m. Sunday, November 15, 2020
Based on the report from the 27th Infantry Battalion of the 10th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, the two killed NPAs were identified by their former comrades as Archie Sagan-a alias Bogard, team leader of the Baking Squad Tersera and resident of Sitio Saluruyan, Barangay Sto. Domingo in San Fernando, Bukidnon and Ryan Ligkat alias Ryan, Squad Leader Tersera, and resident of Sitio Peroy, Barangay Palma Gil in Talaingod, Davao Del Norte.
The two were members of the Guerrilla Front (GF) 55, Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) 5 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC).
Their remains were immediately brought to a funeral parlor in Panabo City.
Recovered from their possession were high-powered firearms and subversive documents.
Lieutenant Colonel Victorino Seño, commander of the 27IB, said while the government will exert all efforts to prevent any terroristic acts by rebel groups, they also extend a helping hand to those who intend to surrender.
On Saturday morning, November 14, in Sitio Quibolog, Barangay Mapula, a former Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation Incorporated (Misfi) scholar and a teacher working on Father Selga Street in Barangay 8-A were arrested during an earlier encounter between government soldiers and the NPA group.
Government authorities identified the arrested as alias Marlon, 22, squad medic of Treseran, and alias May, 21, a part-time teacher and supply officer of GF55.
The arrested NPA members said aside from them who were separated from the group, some of their comrades were also injured after the encounter.
The Philippine Army is calling on other NPA members to return to the folds of the law as government livelihood programs await them.
“Take advantage of the offer of the government through the Enhanced Comprehensive Livelihood Program (E-Clip) and be with your loved ones. It is the best gift that you can give to your family waiting for you and longing for your presence particularly this coming holiday season,” Brigadier General Nolasco Mempin, commander of 1003rd Brigade, said.