CPP leader among rebels slain in Agusan Sur clashes

MANILA, Philippines - One of the 12 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels killed in a series of heavy fighting with government security forces in Agusan del Sur last week was a senior leader of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the military said over the weekend.

Maj. Gen. Ricardo Visaya, commander of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, identified the slain NPA leader as Joseph Tajora Cainong, alias Ka Malik and Ka Alas, secretary of Guerrilla Front 8 of the CPP regional committee.

Cainong led the NPA assault on a Manobo community in Barangay Sta. Irene, Prosperidad town last July 15. But the villagers, led by their chieftain, a certain Datu Calpit, repulsed the rebels, leaving Cainong and 11 of his men dead.

The fighting that lasted for almost two hours also left four Manobo tribal fighters dead.

“Cainong was identified by his relatives and other civilians in the area as well as his former comrades who have surrendered to us,” Visaya said.

Tribesmen and responding soldiers recovered eight high-powered firearms from the slain rebels whose comrades were also encountered by Army and police troops in Bunawan, also in Agusan del Sur, and in Alegria, Surigao del Norte that same day.

“It is the NPA’s fault why these unfortunate situations are happening to them despite all the peace negotiations and programs that the government has offered to them,” Visaya said.

He has ordered full-scale operations against the insurgents who are still holding four policemen hostage.

The rebels seized the four policemen and carted away high-powered firearms when they attacked and overran the police station of Alegria town in Surigao del Norte last week.

The rebels have demanded a complete halt to military operations to pave the way for the release of the four policemen.

But Visaya dismissed the NPA’s demand, saying the operations against them would continue.

If the rebels really intend to set the policemen free, he said they should not impose any conditions.