Terror leader killed in Surigao Sur clash

A RANKING leader of a communist terrorist group (CTG) operating in Southern Mindanao was killed in an encounter with army troops in Suri-gao del Sur on Saturday.

Maj. Ruben Gadut, Public Affairs chief of the 10th Infantry Division (10ID), identified the slain communist leader as Elbert Echavez, alias "Aldrin," commanding officer of the Regional Sentro de Granddad (RSDG) Jaguar under the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.

Gadut said Echavez was killed in an encounter in Sitio Mendezona, Barangay Rajah Cabungsuan, Lingig Surigao del Sur.

An M16 rifle was recovered from the encounter site.

Prior to Echavez's killing, troops of the 67th Infantry Battalion neutralized the vice team leader of the RSDG Jaguar unit identified as Jeffry Casal in a firefight in Boston, Davao Oriental.

Agila Division Commander Maj. Gen. Allan Hambala said the security situation in his jurisdiction remains under control, as troops monitor the movement of all threat groups wanting to sow violence during Monday's elections.

He emphasized that these operations reflect the 10ID's unwavering commitment to dismantle the remnants of the SMRC.

"We understand the concerns of our communities, but I want to assure everyone that these operations are targeted and deliberate," said Ham-bala.

"Our focus remains on protecting innocent lives and restoring lasting peace and preventing CTG resurgence. We will not stop until the last armed insurgent chooses peace over violence," he added.

In Maguindanao del Sur, an aspirant for councilor and a son of a village chief in the town were killed during a fight between two warring armed groups in Pandag town on Saturday.

The hostile actions of two armed groups occurred after government forces launched security operations in Maguindanao amid threat of vio-lence in the province.

At least 16 towns and two cities in the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, and Basilan were tagged as election critical areas.