4 NPA rebels killed in Surigao Sur clash

MANILA, Philippines — Four New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in an encounter with government troopers in Carmen, Surigao del Sur on Sunday.

Three died at the scene while one, identified by his parents as Dylan Ghem Jimenez, 18, died while being treated in a hospital. He was reportedly recruited to join the communist movement when he was 17.

Capt. Francisco Garello Jr., civil military operations officer of the 402nd Infantry Brigade (IB), said Jimenez was abandoned by his comrades at the height of the gunfights.  

Garello said three AK47 rifles, two M16 rifles, two magazines, three cell phones, various type of ammunition and subversive documents were recovered at the scene.

He said the death of Jimenez confirms the recruitment of minors by NPA  guerrillas “who prey on their innocence and weaknesses” in violation of the International Humanitarian Law.

“We offer our sincerest condolences to the families of the... rebels. Our troops have done their best to save Dylan’s life... It is tragic that they took arms against the government... Only through peace can development and social justice be attained,” Col. Maurito Licudine, 402nd IB commander, said.  

Meanwhile, 29 supporters and sympathizers of the rebel group surrendered in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro this month, Col. Marcelino Teofilo, 203rd IB commander, said.

Teofilo said the surrenderees are members of the Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad and Milisyang Bayan, who were tasked as spies, food and tax collectors and recruiters of communist guerrillas.