Davao City (CNN Philippines) — The highest ranking rebel leader in the Davao Region was reportedly killed in an encounter with the military on Sunday (June 29) in Davao City.
The military confirmed Sunday evening that Leoncio Pitao alias Kumander Parago was killed in an encounter between his group and troops from the Army’s 10th Infantry Division in Purok 9, Barangay Pañalum, Paquibato District.
The bodies of slain rebels were recovered from the scene, including that of Pitao who headed the Pulang Bagani Command 1 operating in the hinterlands of Davao City.
Also recovered were two M-16 rifles, three rifle grenades, two magazines for an M-16 rifle, and three backpacks.
The military hailed the death of Pitao.
Maj. Gen. Eduardo Año of the 10th ID said that Pitao’s death “is the end of the NPA here in the Davao Region, particularly in the area of Davao City and Davao del Norte.”
He said that of the estimated 700 NPA members in the Davao Region, around 100 of whom are with Pulang Bagani Command 1 under Pitao.
Pitao was behind the abduction of Brig. Gen. Victor Obillo of the the 55th Engineering Brigade, who was seized by NPA fighters in Davao City in 1999. Obillo and his aide were released after two weeks of negotiations.
Pitao had 17 pending warrants of arrest.
