A REBEL leader was killed in an encounter between joint elements of the 75th Infantry Battalion and the 3rd Special Forces Battalion and communist guerrillas in Sitio Casting, Barangay Bayan, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur, on Monday, May 11.
The rebel was identified as Edilberto Daval, also known as Bong/Waco/Bill, the 2nd deputy secretary of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Executive Committee.
During the clash, troops also captured Jaymark Bada Lamela, alias Miggy, a member of the ROC.
Government forces recovered high-powered firearms from the site, including a Tavor TAR-21 assault rifle and an R4 rifle.
Col. Glenn Joy U. Aynera, acting commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, which has operational control over the two battalions, described the operation as a sign of the “continuing collapse” of the insurgent leadership in the region.
The development follows a string of military successes, including the April 17 neutralization of Daval’s wife, Lucena Canda (alias Louise/Madi), during a separate encounter.
“The neutralization of key personalities disrupts their remaining network and reflects the effectiveness of sustained military operations and strong community support,” Aynera stated.
Following the encounter, the military renewed its call for remaining members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) to surrender.
Aynera emphasized that the government is ready to provide reintegration assistance to those who choose to return to the fold of the law.
