Agusan del sur: A ranking New People's Army (NPA) official was killed in an encounter with government troops in Agusan del Sur on Sunday, the military reported Monday. The fatality was identified as Bonifacio Lutawan, also known as 'Tado', who served as the commanding officer of the Regional Operational Command of the NPA's North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Army's 8th Infantry Battalion stated that the clash took place in Sitio Tacocon, Barangay Kasapa II, La Paz, and involved rebels operating in the nearby Bukidnon area. The military confirmed there were no casualties on the government side.

The military further elaborated that Lutawan's identity was verified by former rebels. From the encounter site, troops recovered an M653 rifle. Military operations in the area are continuing as of this posting.