Five members of the New People’s Army (NPA), including a top rebel leader in Caraga, were neutralized during a series of encounters in Barangay Bugas-Bugas, Placer, Surigao del Norte, from June 13 to 15.
The joint operation involved the 30th Infantry Battalion under the 901st Infantry Brigade, intelligence units from the 4th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, and other security forces.
Authorities confirmed that Roderick Bensing, also known as “Rodel,” the NPA’s top leader in Caraga, was killed during the clashes. Two other members also died, including Liezl Mondejar, a female rebel who later passed away in the hospital due to critical injuries.
Meanwhile, Ricky Per, alias “Rem,” another top NPA leader in the region, surrendered to government troops. He turned over a .45 caliber pistol and led the authorities to a hidden arms cache. The recovered weapons included an M16 rifle, a rifle grenade, several magazines, ammunition, bandoliers, and mobile phones.
Troops also captured another NPA member, Allan Cacatian, alias “Allen,” during the same operation.
Military officials said the success of this operation underscores the Eastern Mindanao Command’s continued efforts to maintain peace and security in the region, with support from local communities and partner agencies.
