TAGKAWAYAN, Quezon — Government troops killed a high-ranking leader of a Communist rebel unit in a firefight on Aug. 2, 2025 in Barangay Maguibuay, the Philippine Army said Sunday.
Soldiers from the 16th Infantry Battalion were acting on a tip from civilians when they encountered about 10 armed members of the Platun Reymark, a unit under the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA). The gun battle lasted for approximately 20 minutes.
Killed during the clash was Sandy Broncaino, also known as “Tau,” who served as political instructor and squad leader for the group’s Quezon-Bicol operations, according to Lt. Col. Warren Daroy, 16th IB commander.
Recovered from the scene were an AK-47 rifle, an M16 rifle, an M203 grenade launcher, ammunition, magazines, a bandolier, and other war materiel. No government casualties were reported.
Daroy commended his troops for their swift action and thanked the local community for their cooperation. He reiterated the military’s commitment to dismantling remaining insurgent forces and urged remaining members of the CPP-NPA to surrender through the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) or the Local Amnesty Program.
The operation was conducted under the 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division, which continues to lead counter-insurgency efforts in Southern Luzon.
The CPP-NPA is designated a terrorist organization by the Philippine government, United States, and European Union.