SAN LUIS, Agusan del Sur – After a report from a concerned resident and through the joint intelligence efforts of the military and police, a wounded Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) was recently captured in Sitio Kimambukadyang, Barangay Binicalan, San Luis, this province. 

The wounded NPA was identified as Ruben Camangyan alias ‘Robert’, a resident of Purok 1, Brgy. Comota, La Paz, Agusan del Sur and a member of the remnants of Guerilla Front (GF) 88, SRC 3 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) who was hit on his backhead and right thigh during the previous encounter of troops of 26IB against the combined elements of the Sub-Regional SDG Banglas and remnants of GF88 in the hinterlands of So Kimambukadyang last June 22, 2021 that resulted to the seizure of seven (7) high-powered firearms, personal belongings, war paraphernalia and subversive documents with high intelligence value. 

With respect to the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and Commission of Human Rights (CHR), the wounded NPA was immediately treated by the unit medical team and brought to Talacogon District Hospital for his medical needs. Alias ‘Robert’ revealed that some of their comrades was killed and missing while Rexon Guinar alias ‘More’, Squad Leader of the said armed group, was hit on his left hand wounded during the said encounter.

Camangyan had warrants of arrest for attempted homicide, attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms and other charges issued by courts in the province of Agusan del Sur. After being appraised of his constitutional rights, Camangyan was properly turned over to San Luis Municipal Police Station (MPS) for proper disposition. 

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Reynald Romel A. Goce, Commanding Officer of 26IB affirmed the adherence of the troops to human rights. "With respect to humanity, we will always respect human life and treat the wounded during armed conflict. Rest assured that the Ever Onward troopers will continue to adhere in accordance with stated policies, guidelines and procedures on human rights in all their operations against known enemies of the state in order to respect and protect the rights of every Filipino citizen," he said. 

“We are grateful for the cooperation of our fellows in the community, through your reports, we were able to capture the wounded rebel and saved his life. To our brothers and sisters who are still on the ranks of the NPA, lay down your arms, avail the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits and start a peaceful life," Goce ended. 

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the NPA, is listed as a communist terrorist group by the Philippine Government, United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. (2Lt Cecille Tappa, CMO officer, 26IB,PA/PIA-Agusan del Sur)