Top NPA leader killed

By Maj FELIX M. MANGYAO (INF) PA
September 13, 2006

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan, Samar  – After last month’s discovery of the CPP/NPA/NDF’s “mass grave” at Inopacan, Leyte the government’s anti-insurgency campaign once again gained ground when operating troops from Alpha Company, 19IB, 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army stationed at Brgy Aguiting, Kananga, Leyte encountered more or less thirty (30) communist terrorists on September 11, 2006 at 11 in the morning.

The firefight transpired at Sitio Taghoy, Brgy Libertad, Kananga, Leyte when patrolling elements under 2Lts Benedicto and Aranez chanced upon the group of communist terrorists who were caught unaware by the 8ID troopers. The encounter lasted for about 30 minutes after which the CT’s fled towards different directions. The group left behind the remains of Bebiano Rentillosa alias Elmo who was later on identified as the Secretary of the Northern Leyte Front of the CPP/NPA. Recovered along with terrorist leader’s remains were voluminous subversive documents, a compact disc and one caliber 45 pistol.

The government troops maintained its momentum and conducted pursuit operations placing pressure on the CT’s who lost their leader and scampered in various directions. Witnesses revealed that they also saw wounded CT’s being carried by their fleeing comrades.

The successful encounter was the result of the cooperation of the local populace who provided timely and accurate information regarding the whereabouts of the CT’s. This attests that civilians in the area are now enlightened about the self-serving motives and selfish interests of the CPP/NPA/NDF.