NPA leader slain in firefight

MANILA, Philippines — An alleged ranking leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) has been killed in an encounter with government security forces in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, the military announced yesterday.

Joeboy Mantipala, alias Bernabe, was reportedly among a group of insurgents who exchanged fire with a joint team of soldiers and police officers in Barangay Marbon on Thursday, according to Capt. Aldim Viernes of the Army’s 26th Infantry Battalion (IB).

Mantipala was reportedly the vice commanding officer of the NPA’s Platoon Banglas, Guerrilla Front 88-North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

He suffered multiple gunshot wounds in the body and was declared dead on arrival at the Talacogon District Hospital.

Mantipala was tagged as one of the assailants of Felipe Amado, a militiaman who was killed in Barangay Lydia, San Luis town.

The military and the police launched a manhunt for Mantipala and his companions after witnesses identified them as the killers of Amado.

Mantipala was also tagged in the murder of Rubencio Salamoren, chairman of Barangay San Pedro, who was shot in nearby Barangay Don Alejandro in February. 

“We received reports that the NPA is planning to attack government personnel, including soldiers and policemen. With the help of the people, we were able to track down Mantipala easily,” Lt. Col. Romeo Jimenea, chief of the 26th IB, said.

Authorities recovered a .45 caliber pistol, ammunition and a motorcycle at the scene of the encounter.