A HIGH-RANKING New People’s Army (NPA) leader from Mindanao was killed during a clash between his rebel group and soldiers of the 502nd Infantry Brigade of the 5th Infantry Division in Cagayan Valley on September 11th.
The military identified the slain NPA leader as Edgar Mancao Arbitrario, also known as Karl, who headed the Komiteng Rehiyon Cagayan Valley (KR-CV) as its Secretary.
Lt. Col Jaime Ferrer, the chief of Public Affairs Office of the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM), said KR-CV is a Regional Party Committee of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) CPP-NPA-NDF operating in Northern Luzon, particularly in Cagayan Valley.
According to the report, soldiers were conducting Focused Military Operations (FMO) in Barangay Baliuag, Peñablanca, Cagayan, on Wednesday, September 11th, when they encountered approximately seventeen Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) under KR-CV.
Government forces engaged the CNT group in a fierce firefight that resulted in the death of their leader.
No casualties were reported on the side of the government troops.
The military confirmed that Arbitrario was one of the fatalities during the encounter. His body was found on September 13th after his group left him behind and fled for their safety.
Major General Gulliver L Señires PA, commander of the 5th Infantry Division, said, “The abandonment of their leader by his comrades clearly shows that their principles have wavered. They claim to fight for one another, yet when their leader needs them the most, they choose to abandon him. This is further proof that the NPA is on the verge of collapse.”
Lt. Gen Fernyl Galera Buca, chief of the Northern Luzon Command, PAF, said, “NOLCOM forces will continue to pursue the remnants of this CTG to prevent them from pursuing their hostile plans and threatening the populace in Northern Luzon.”
In a recent address, Lt. Gen. Buca praised the unit for their selfless service and unwavering commitment. He expressed profound gratitude for their invaluable contributions to NOLCOM’s campaign against Communist Terrorists.
“I commend each member of the 502nd Infantry Brigade of the 5ID, PA for their dedication and relentless efforts,” he stated. “Your hard work is instrumental in our mission. Let us continue to support one another as we strive to create a peaceful Northern Luzon, fostering an environment ripe for productivity and development.”
“We are opening our arms to anyone willing to change their crooked ways and come back to the folds of the law. I am encouraging NPA remnants to abandon your armed struggle and be one again with your families, far from the threats of inevitable distress that you are or may experience due to the fake ideologies inculcated by your selfish leaders,” the Northern Luzon Command Chief concluded.
Photo courtesy of NOLCOM
