Government troops neutralized an official of the New People's Army in a clash on Saturday, January 6, in Borongan City, Eastern Samar.
The Philippine Army reported on Monday, January 9, that Martin Cardeño Colima, alias Moki, Secretary of Sub-Regional Committee-SESAME, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee, perished during an encounter with state forces.
"We were responding to repeated reports of the civilians regarding the presence of the terrorist NPA in Brgy San Gabriel conducting extortion activities and planning to liquidate members of CAFGU auxiliary and some Former Rebels," said Lt. Col. Allan Tria, commander of the Philippine Army 802nd Infantry Brigade.
Tria said that government forces also recovered one Caliber .45 Pistol and seven backpacks at the site of the encounter.
The army identified Colima as the mastermind and one of the perpetrators of an ambush incident along the national highway in Borongay City, Eastern Samar in 2019.
The ambush resulted in the deaths of a police, and three civilians, as well as wounded 12 other individuals, including three minors.