Top NPA rebel killed in Sorsogon clash

CASTILLA, Sorsogon – A top ranking rebel from the New People’s Army was killed Tuesday, April 27, in a clash between the rebel group and government forces in Sorsogon.

The body of Recto Golimlim (alias Cenon/Pingko/Remus) was recovered by army troops on Wednesday afternoon, April 28, during a pursuit operation in Bgy Lapinig, Magallanes, Sorsogon.

Golimlim is believed to be the head of the explosives department and a member of the executive committee of the Bicol Regional Party Committee.

The pursuit operation was a follow-up to Tuesday’s clash – a 10-minute firefight which also happened in the same barangay. Golimlim’s body was brought to the barangay by his co-rebels to be properly buried by the group’s supporters.

Along the rebels’ route of withdrawal were traces of bloodstains that led the army troops and their tracking dogs to the body’s location. Close associates of Golimlim later confirmed his identity.

Brigadier General Joselito Kakilala, commander of the 903rd Infantry Brigade, said Golimlim’s death is a “big blow” to the overall tactical capacity of the NPA in Bicol since Golimlim – an expert in explosives – was elevated second in command of the Bicol Regional Party Committee.

Informants will receive a P2.5 million reward.

Kakilala commended the army troops – members of the Scout Ranger Group of the 31st Infantry battalion and 9th K9 Battalion – for the “remarkable feat.”

There were no government troops among Tuesday’s casualties.

“I stand my ground as Commander of the Army in the Province of Sorsogon that our troops will continue to scour the mountains and go after those rebels who persist to be a grave threat to our peace-loving countrymen and who totally disregard the call of Sorsogon Governor Raul Lee for localized peace talks,” Kakilala, from the 31st Infantry Battalion, said. – Rappler.com