World · Philippines Bureau
Army halts NPA reconstruction efforts in Caraga region
Philippine Army troops killed a senior communist leader and three operatives during weekend clashes in Agusan del Sur, dealing a setback to New People's Army attempts to revive insurgent operations in the Caraga region.
LSN Philippines ·
MARAWI CITY — The Philippine Army's 4th Infantry Division successfully disrupted a New People's Army (NPA) push to reestablish rebel strongholds in Caraga, killing what military officials described as a high-ranking communist secretary and three armed operatives in daylong combat Saturday in Agusan del Sur.
The engagement marked a significant blow to NPA recruitment and reorganization efforts in the resource-rich region, according to 4th Infantry Division commanders. The clashes reflected continued communist insurgent activity in Mindanao despite years of military operations against the armed group.
The 4th Infantry Division has maintained an active counter-insurgency presence across the Caraga region, which encompasses parts of Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Surigao del Norte. Military officials said Saturday's operation prevented the NPA from consolidating influence in areas where rebel activity had been significantly reduced.
The New People's Army, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has engaged Philippine security forces for decades. Recent operations have focused on disrupting NPA regrouping attempts in remote areas of Mindanao, where geographic terrain has historically provided cover for insurgent operations.