Top 2 NPA leader in Mindanao dies in Bukidnon clash

The report said that the joint forces of the Philippine Army’s 16th Infantry Battalion (IB) under the 4th Infantry Division’s operational control and PNP’s Special Action Force killed the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA Terrorist’s number 2 commander in Mindanao and another member during a 30-minute encounter.

16IB commander Lieutenant Colonel Neil Armstrong Batayola said they responded to the complaint of concerned citizens regarding an armed group conducting atrocities in the area, which resulted in an exchange of fire against 15 members of the rebel group.

The government forces clashed with the group of Pedro Codaste alias Gonyong/Serv, the NPA’s number 2 commander in Mindanao being the Deputy Secretary of Komisyon Mindanao (KOMMID).

The other fatality was identified as a certain alias Zandro.

After the encounter, the troops recovered an AK47 Rifle and a Caliber 45 Pistol.

Brigadier General Oliver T. Vesliño, Acting Commander of 4th Infantry Division lauded the joint forces for the successful operation. He said the development is  a great loss to the NPA as Codaste was considered to succeed the top leadership in Mindanao.

Codaste was the acting KOMMID Chairman after the death of Cabanatan alias Kuba, Madlos alias Ka Oris, and Villanueva alias Ka Bok, Veslińo said.

Codaste is also a member of CPP’s Central Committee and Consultant of the National Democratic Front (NDF).

He was former Secretary of Guerilla Front 4A (GF4A) in Agusan del Sur during the early '90s then later became Secretary of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee in 2009.

He was elected to the Central Committee during the CPP 2nd Congress in 2016,” Vesliño further said.

Facing multiple cases with warrants of arrest, Codaste is one of the most wanted fugitives for the crime of murder, double frustrated murder and attempted murder.

“We have once again delivered justice for our people. While we extend our sympathies to the families and friends of those killed, Codaste’s death is a tangible reminder that injustices that brought suffering and numerous deaths will forever haunt us,” Vesliño said.

He said this is a clearer manifestation of the people in rejecting the CPP-NPA-NDF.

Remaining leaders and members still have the chance to avoid the same fate by availing the government’s enhanced-comprehensive local integration program (E-CLIP) and peacefully return to their families, Vesliño said.