A suspected high-ranking New People’s Army (NPA) officer known as alias Josam was killed following an armed encounter with government forces in Sitio Catingting, Barangay Magogon, Camalig, Albay, Monday night, Aug. 31.
According to the report, troops from the 31st Infantry (Charge) Battalion, 9th Infantry Division, under Lt. Col. Cliff Chester De Ocampo, along with Philippine National Police personnel, encountered about five suspected members of the Communist Terrorist Group at around 9 p.m.
The group was reportedly led by Gerardo Arcos Abache, also known by the aliases Jerry, Josam, Floyd and Maeng, who was identified as the leader of the Regional Special Operations Group of the Bicol Regional Party Committee.
After the exchange of gunfire, troops and police found Abache dead. The report said his companions had left him behind.
A Glock 17 9mm firearm, subversive documents and personal belongings were also recovered at the scene.
According to the report, Josam had been with the NPA for more than three decades and had served as a leader in various NPA operations in Bicol.
He was also linked to multiple criminal cases, including murder, attempted murder and robbery with homicide.
The report further identified him as allegedly responsible for the deaths of two soldier-rescuers who were shopping in Barangay Cotmon, Camalig, Albay, in February 2023.
The 9th Infantry Division expressed condolences to the bereaved family and said intensified operations in the region would continue.
The military also renewed its call for remaining NPA members to return to the government.
