DAVAO CITY — The military said the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Mindanao is further weakened with the death of another ranking leader in a clash with government troops in Davao de Oro province on Wednesday. Menandro Villanueva, 69, was killed in an encounter in Barangay Libudon, Mabini town, Davao de Oro on Wednesday evening. Durante added that the Army was tipped about the rebels’ presence in Libudon; hence, troops were deployed there. Villanueva’s death comes two months after the killing of another top rebel leader, Jorge ‘Ka Oris’ Madlos in Bukidnon. ADVERTISEMENTAlmerol said that Villanueva was a native of Silang, Cavite and was among the pioneers of building the NPA in Mindanao.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer January 09, 2022 16:31 UTC