High-ranking Philippine communist insurgent killed in firefight
Vergel Balcueva was wanted for various alleged offences.
CAMARINES SUR: A high-ranking communist insurgent was killed during an encounter with government troops in the Philippine province of Camarines Sur on Monday (July 8), it has been reported.
The spokesman of the Philippine army’s 9th Infantry Division (9ID), Major Frank Roldan, identified the slain rebel as Vergel Balcueva, also known by aliases Disan, Joey, and James, according to the Philippine News Agency.
Balcueva held a leadership position within the Front Operational Command of Sub-Regional Committee-2 of the communist insurgent group known as the New Poeple’s Army (NPA).
Balcueva was abandoned by his fellow NPA members during the intense exchange of gunfire in Tinambac municipality which lasted for approximately 10 minutes, , said Roldan.
Authorities discovered an M16 rifle and personal belongings at the scene.
Roldan said Balcueva was a wanted individual, facing multiple charges, including attempted murders, frustrated murders, illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and explosives.
Additionally, he allegedly violated Republic Act 9851, which pertains to crimes against international humanitarian law, genocide, and other offences against humanity.
Remarkably, there were no reported injuries or fatalities among government forces or local residents in the area.
Following Balcueva's demise, the 9ID anticipates that other NPA members may surrender and rejoin the government, further weakening the group, said Roldan.
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