A senior leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed during an armed encounter with government troops in Sitio Nalumusan, Barangay Silae, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, on June 21, 2026.
The fatality was identified by the military as Romeo Mampinsahan, also known as “Kakoy” or “Yuman,” who served as commanding officer of Headquarters Force NEO under the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) of the NPA.
According to the 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB), the operation was launched after authorities received information from civilians regarding the presence of armed individuals in the area.
The encounter lasted approximately five minutes, the military said.
Following the exchange of gunfire, government troops recovered two high-powered firearms from the encounter site.
Military authorities reported that the armed group withdrew toward the southern portion of the area, leaving behind Mampinsahan, who was later confirmed dead.
The military described the incident as another setback for the NCMRC. According to the 8IB, three of the six identified leaders of the regional committee have already been neutralized. Of those, two reportedly surrendered while one was killed during an armed encounter.
Authorities said personnel from the 8th Infantry Battalion, with support from the 403rd Infantry Brigade, are facilitating the proper handling and turnover of Mampinsahan’s remains to his family.
The military said the process is being conducted on humanitarian grounds.
Meanwhile, authorities renewed their appeal for remaining members of the armed group to surrender and return to the fold of the law.
The military also encouraged residents to continue providing information that may help prevent violence and support peace and security efforts in communities across Bukidnon.
Operations in the province remain ongoing as authorities continue monitoring the activities of armed groups in the region.
