Lieutenant Colonel Ezra Balagtey, 39th IB commander in a statement identified the slain rebel leader as Roberto Castillote alias “Enoy”, the commanding officer of the dismantled NPA’s Pulang Bagani Command, Southern Regional Committee (SRC) 3, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) and Jovilito Yambanao alias “Joven", the political guide of the group.
Balagtey said both were killed in a 5-minute gunbattle when the responding troops chanced upon the armed men who fired the first shot.
According to Balagtey, the encounter happened when his troops monitored the coordination between the leadership of Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR) and the Dismantled Pulang Bagani Command (DPBC), on the atrocity to be launched in the area.
The military seized in the encounter site an Uzi Submachine gun, two improvised landmines, a hand grenade, and a container with gasoline.
Facing multiple cases with warrants of arrest, Castillote was one of the most wanted fugitives for attempted murder, double attempted murder, frustrated murder, murder, slight illegal detention, robbery, and robbery with homicide.
He is also facing cases of violation of Republic Act (RA) 7610 or the Special Protection Against Child Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination.
Records showed that Castillote was responsible for an ambush of four members of the scene of the crime operatives (SOCO) who were supposed to investigate a shooting incident involving an armed group on March 8, 2017 in Bansalan, Davao del Sur.
The incident resulted in the early death of the four SOCO personnel including one pregnant cop.
Balagtey said the death of Castillote gave justice to the victims of his atrocities including an innocent child that was never born to see the goodness of the world.
“Truly, this success means the end of the road for the killer which further prevents the CPP-NPA-NDF from reviving the PBC.
Balagtey assures the government forces will remain vigilant against the said terrorist group planning to incite violence and spoil the peace and development efforts of the government in the locality.
Photos: 39th IB