Manila, Feb. 17 -- The Philippine Army said the death of a key New People's Army (NPA) leader will contribute to economic progress in Northeastern Mindanao.

Lt. Gen. Luis Rex Bergante, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command, said Monday that Myrna Sularte's death will bring significant changes to rural communities.

"We need to improve our tourism, as there are beautiful potential destinations in Eastern Mindanao," he said.

Bergante said some areas previously used as NPA hideouts could become tourism hot spots.

Sularte and her husband, the late top NPA leader Jorge Madlos, have long led NPA groups in parts of Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions.

Sularte was killed Feb. 12 in an encounter in Sitio Tugalahi, Barangay Pianing, Butuan...