CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — Three alleged ranking officials of the New People’s Army (NPA) have been killed in a series of encounters that forced residents to flee from their homes in the hinterlands of Misamis Oriental, authorities said on Saturday.
The fatalities were identified as Agay Taquin, alias Kerby, reportedly vice commander of the NPA’s Platoon Falcon, Sub-Regional Command 1, North Central Mindanao Committee; Andrew Odiongan, alias Dave, said to be the political instructor of the src 1, NCMRC, and Joan Pajardo, alias Amirgo, team leader of Squad 1, Guerilla Force Huawei, src 1.
Mayor Redentor Jardin of Jasaan town said the firefight broke out on Friday morning in Barangay Natubo, which borders the municipality of Balingasag.
The clash surprised residents and local officials as the last reported armed skirmish in Jasaan took place about 30 years ago, Jardin said.
“This armed encounter between the NPA and the military in Jasaan was an isolated one,” he said as he confirmed that about 35 families fled to prevent themselves from getting caught in the crossfire.
Francisco Luntiao, chairman of Barangay Natubo, said the families, composed of about 130 individuals, sought shelter at the village center.
The evacuees were given food packages, Luntiao said, adding they will be allowed to return home once the military declares the village safe for dwelling.
The first encounter occurred at 7 a.m. in the hinterlands of Barangay Plaridel in Claveria, according to Lt. Col. Ricky Canatoy, chief of the Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion.
The clash continued when government security forces discovered an alleged rebel camp in the area, Canatoy said.
He said the military recovered three rifles, ammunition, subversive documents and personal belonging at the camp.
The fatalities were brought to Balingasag after two of the slain rebels were reportedly identified as residents of the town.
No one among the government security forces was wounded in the firefight.