NPA leader linked to soldiers' deaths killed in Albay clash

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY – A ranking leader of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in the Bicol Region was killed following a 10-minute armed encounter between government forces and around five New People's Army (NPA) members in Barangay Magogon, Camalig, Albay, the 9th Infantry Division (9ID) reported on Tuesday.

In a report, Maj. Frank Roldan, 9ID spokesperson, said troops of the 31st Infantry Battalion (31st IB), together with personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP), encountered the group Monday night.

Roldan identified the leader, who used the aliases "Jerry," "Josam," "Floyd" and "Maeng," as the leader of the Regional Sub-Office Guerrilla Operations of the Bicol Regional Party Committee.

"Following the exchange of gunfire, Josam was found dead at the encounter site after his companions reportedly left him behind," Roldan said in an interview.

Government forces recovered a Glock 17 9mm pistol, subversive documents and personal belongings.

He said Josam had been a member of the NPA for more than three decades and had served in various leadership positions within the communist terrorist group in Bicol.

He was also reportedly facing multiple criminal charges, including several counts of murder and attempted murder, robbery with homicide, and multiple murder with frustrated attempted murder.

Roldan added that Josam was the principal suspect in the killing of two soldiers who were conducting rescue operations and buying supplies in Barangay Cotmon, Camalig, in February 2023.

The 9ID also renewed its call for remaining CTG members to abandon the armed struggle and return to the fold of the law through the government's reintegration programs. (PNA)

ENCOUNTER. A New People's Army leader was killed in an encounter in Camalig, Albay, on Tuesday (Aug. 31, 2026). The slain leader, who used the aliases "Jerry," "Josam," "Floyd" and "Maeng," was identified as the leader of the Regional Sub-Office Guerilla Operations of the Bicol Regional Party Committee. (Photo courtesy of 9ID)