CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – The top leader of the communist terrorist group (CTG) operating in the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte in Caraga region was found dead by the government troops in Brgy Cuyago, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte on Wednesday afternoon, September 21.
Troops of the 29th Infantry Battalion under the 901st Infantry Brigade, while conducting no let-up combat operations, found a cadaver in the said area, which was later identified as Rolando Rubilla “Edroy” Leyson Jr, 40yrs old, Secretary of Guerilla Front 16 of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).
“Leyson’s death was the result of the previous encounter of 29IB against Sub Regional Committee (SRC) Northland on September 14, 2022. Apparently, the cadaver was dragged by his companions but eventually was left behind to evade our pursuing troops,” BGen George Banzon, Commander of 901st Brigade, said.
BGen Banzon added that Leyson has multiple warrants of arrest and over 25 criminal cases pending in court for the crime of arson, attempted murder, murder, multiple attempted murders, kidnapping, and serious illegal detention. “Leyson is a notorious CTG leader in Caraga, and his death could be the last straw that keeps CTG members and will eventually collapse. We urge his wife, Juanita Pableo “Kikay” Saavedra-Leyson, also a CTG key leader, to surrender so that she can have peace of mind, pay his last respect and properly bury his late husband.”
It can be recalled that for the month of September alone, other CTG top leaders who were neutralized were Noel “Megan” Alacre and Nonita “Akira” Dolotera in Surigao del Sur and Badong “Reymund” Lipanda in Agusan del Sur in Caraga region. Meanwhile, CNT couple Vincent Isagani “John” Madlos and Angie “Edna” Salinas had also fallen while Raquel “Pons” Dahoyla surrender in Bukidnon in Northern Mindanao region.
In a statement, 4ID Commander MGen. Wilbur C. Mamawag commended all 4ID line unit commanders and their troops for their sacrifice and tireless efforts to protect the communities and people from the said terrorist group. “ELCAC has tremendously shifted the balance in our favor. Yes, we are winning now; however, the task is not yet finally done. Thus, I urge everyone, our civilian stakeholders, together let’s sustain our momentum and push harder to end this decades-old insurgency problem in our country,” MGen. Mamawag added.
