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EIGHT New People's Army (NPA) rebels were killed in a series of firefights with government troops in the hinterlands of Negros Occidental and Davao Oriental on Sunday.
Lt. Col. Israel Galorio, spokesman of the Visayas Command (Viscom), said seven terrorists were killed in at least four encounters with the soldiers belonging to the 47th Infantry Battalion (47IB) in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City.
The seven neutralized NPA terrorists were identified as Reniel Locsin Cellon alias Kumpol; Mary Jane Maguilat, vice squad leader who used at least three aliases (Shonie/Chinchin/Shedi) and served as a political analyst; Jhon Isidor Supelanas alias Dalia, a political instructor; and a certain Pitong, a medical officer. They were believed to be remnants of the dismantled Southwest Front (SWF), Lt. Col. Galorio, the report said.
The other three dead terrorists were Jhunrey Mejares alias Jai/Jr, political instructor/political guide; Glendel Tinio Mejares alias Ayin, medical officer; and Charity Amacan alias Cha/Leah, squad leader/former secretary of the SEF(D), KR–NCBS. They were remnants of the dismantled Southeast Front (SEF).
The encounter, Galorio said, erupted following coordinated efforts of the 47th and 11th IBs under 302nd Infantry Brigade of Joint Task Force (JTF) Spear against the reported remnants of the dismantled NPA fronts of the Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor.
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According to Brig. Gen. Joey Escanilla, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade, they received information on the presence of an armed group from Negros Oriental and the sixth district of Negros Occidental, believed to be part of the dismantled Southwest Front, who were converging in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City.
As the government soldiers were approaching, they were fired upon by the rebels, Escanilla said.
The tussles broke out at 5:30 a.m. as the 47IB responded to reports on the presence of NPA rebels in the area.
Minutes later, consecutive encounters ensued at around 5:35 a.m., and at around 6:09 a.m., the last one involving government forces from 11IB trying to block the fleeing rebels.
Another tussle erupted at 6:50 a.m. as 47IB troopers pursued the fleeing rebels.
The troopers recovered seven high-powered firearms, including six M16 rifles and one M203 grenade launcher from the slain terrorists.
Lt. Gen. Fernando Reyeg, commander of the Viscom, commended the relentless efforts of the troops in delivering another major blow to the CPP-NPA.
"This series of successful encounters is a testament to the unwavering commitment and professionalism of our troops. The neutralization of these remaining NPA terrorists brings the Visayas region closer to achieving stability and security," said Reyeg.
He cited the importance of community cooperation as manifested by the "timely and accurate information provided by our people allowed our troops to respond swiftly and decisively."
"Your trust in your Armed Forces in the Visayas is vital in our shared mission to build a safer and more prosperous region," said Reyeg.
Reyeg reaffirmed Viscom's resolve as he sent a clear message to those who persist in sowing violence.
"We will never stop and will continue to press on the fight to end the local communist armed conflict in the Visayas region," he declared.
"As such, we call on the few remaining members of the terrorist group to heed the call of the government, lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law, for we will not hesitate to use the full force of the law against those who continue to threaten the safety and well-being of our people," he said.
Meanwhile, in Davao Oriental, another NPA member was killed in an encounter with troops of the 10IB in Sitio Malawi, Barangay Caatihan, Boston town also on Sunday.
The clash started after troopers responded to sightings of armed individuals reportedly belonging to the Regional Centro de Gravidad (RSDG) Jaguar of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC).
The Kabankalan City Police Station recovered the bodies of the fatalities and were brought to a funeral parlor.
A total of 173 families have been prevented from leaving the encounter site as the military continues clearing operations.
Escanilla said the group was likely involved in an election-related mission such as their so-called "permit to campaign" and "permit to win" to get payments from candidates in exchange for campaign support.
"This operation was vital in safeguarding the local populace, and its success exemplifies their dedication and skill," said Escanilla.
Kabankalan City Mayor Benjie Miranda explained that the military did not recommend a "forced evacuation," which is why no residents fled to the barangay's designated evacuation center.
He added that family packs and hot meals were prepared and ready for 170 households affected by the clash.
On the other hand, a bullet struck an elderly civilian in the face during the encounter.
Reports say he was caught in the crossfire because the rebels had allegedly stayed in his house for several nights. Responders rushed him to the hospital.
