TWO HIGH-RANKING leaders of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in a 10-minute firefight with government troops on Feb. 12 in Sitio Katipunan, Barangay San Lorenzo, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
The 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion, operating under the 401st Infantry “Unite N’ Fight” Brigade, engaged the NPA members following persistent reports from local residents about extortion and harassment.
Among those killed were Larry Garcia, commanding officer of the Regional Sentro de Gravidad, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), and alias @Gaga/Garing, vice commanding officer of the same group.
The NPA members retreated after the brief but intense encounter, leaving behind the bodies of their fallen comrades. The bodies were later turned over to the local government of Prosperidad for proper disposition.
Troops also seized two backpacks, a Baofeng radio, two Nokia cellphones, blasting caps, a hand grenade, a Claymore mine (improvised explosive device), assorted medical supplies, and subversive documents from the encounter site.
These items were turned over to authorities for further investigation and potential legal action against other involved NPA members.
Colonel Emil Cruz, acting commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, lauded the troops for their successful operation and reiterated the military’s commitment to maintaining peace and order in the region.
He called on remaining NPA members to surrender peacefully and embrace a life free from violence.
“We remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of our community. This successful operation is a testament to the support of the local residents who stand alongside us in a shared quest for a peaceful and progressive life for all of us,” Cruz stated.
“We encourage those who continue to resist to surrender and return to the folds of the law, as we aim for peace and prosperity for all of us here in Agusan del Sur. What occurred to the NPA casualties deeply saddened us; they committed violence, continuing their act to victimize civilians despite our repeated offers of peace,” he added.
Photos courtesy of 401st Infantry Brigade
