[ABS-CBN] After days after pursuing the perpetrators of the killing of Loreto Mayor Dario Otaza and his son, troops encountered the suspects in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte on Friday morning.Information was received from local residents that members of the New People's Army responsible for the brutal murders were hiding in their community. Upon reaching the area, suspected militants indiscriminately fired upon soldiers despite the presence of civilians. Troops outmaneuvered the militants, pushing them to retreat.
Residents saw several NPA militants drag four of their injured comrades out of the area. One soldier was also injured in the exchange of fire.
Meanwhile, charges of robbery and kidnapping with murder have already been filed against Rene Catarata, also known as Rene/Dodong/Hector Tindugan, and eighteen other men. Witnesses positively identified the suspects as members of the NPA in Caraga. Catarata is the Front Secretary of NPA Guerrilla Front 34 under North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee and allegedly one of the responsible for a series of lumad killings, ambush incidents, extortion, and illegal recruitment.