Former UP Cebu student leader killed in Negros Occidental clash

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The military claims that former UP Cebu student leader Jhon Isidor 'Dee' Supelanas, one of those killed in Kabankalan, served as an NPA political instructor

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – A trans woman activist and former student leader at the University of the Philippines Cebu was among seven individuals killed in what the military described as an armed encounter with suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City, on Sunday, April 27.

Jhon Isidor “Dee” Supelanas, a UP Cebu communications graduate, was identified by the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division as a political instructor for the NPA’s southwest front in the 6th District of Negros Occidental. The military said she was known in the underground movement as “Dalia.”

Also killed were Reniel Locsin Cellon, Mary Jane Maguilat, Charity Amacan, Jhonrey Mejares, Glenda Tinio Mejares, and a man identified only as Pitong.

Their remains have been brought to a mortuary in Barangay Hilamunan in Kabankalan following clearing operations.

Supelanas was remembered by fellow activists and former colleagues as a dedicated student leader who championed academic freedom and youth rights.

UP Cebu’s official student publication, Tug-ani, described her as a “defender of the oppressed” who took part in several national student alliances, including Anakbayan UP Cebu and the National Union of Students of the Philippines Cebu.

She served as University Student Council chairperson from 2019 to 2021, helped revive the student publication Lanog, and held roles in radio stations DYUP-Sugbo and DYCM. She also anchored local programs such as Youth on the March and Pugasan sa Kahanginan.

Nagkahiusang Kusog sa Estudyante-UP Cebu called her “a fearless leader and activist.”

Anakbayan UP Cebu also paid tribute to Supelanas as a “staunch leader of the masses,” praising her resistance to “inequality, militarization, and systemic oppression.”

‘A blow to the NPA’ 

Brigadier General Michael Samson, commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, said the deaths of Supelanas and the six others was a serious blow to the rebel group.

“We will relentlessly pursue and neutralize all armed rebels. The door to peace remains open – surrender while you still have the chance,” Samson said.

Military officials said the group was part of the NPA’s Komiting Rehiyonal Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor (KR-NCBS) operating in Negros Occidental’s 6th District, covering Cauayan, Hinoba-an, Ilog, Candoni, Kabankalan, Sipalay, and in parts of Negros Oriental.

Brigadier General Joey Escanillas, commander of the Army’s 302nd Infantry Brigade, said the group was suspected to be involved in the NPA’s extortion scheme to raise funds by demanding payments from candidates campaigning in rebel-influenced areas.

Negros Occidental police director Colonel Rainerio de Chavez said they were working closely with the Army to check the objectives of the group.

Tensions in Kabankalan

According to the military, Cellon, also known as Ka Aldie, led the NPA’s operations in the area. He was reportedly in a relationship with Maguilat, while Supelanas and Pitong served as political instructor and medic, respectively. The others were said to be active in operations on the Negros Oriental side.

According to the military, the firefight began around 5:30 am in Sitio Mahirup, Barangay Tapi, some 36 kilometers from the Kabankalan city proper after residents reported the presence of an armed group in the area. 

The military said soldiers from the 47th Infantry Battalion were fired upon when they checked the area, triggering a gun battle that lasted over an hour. Officials said reinforcements from the 15th Infantry Battalion later arrived and overran the group.

There was no casualty report on the side of the military, which claimed to have found firearms, gadgets, and documents at the encounter site.

Tensions have heightened in Kabankalan ahead of the May 12 special elections, where Mayor Benjie Miranda faces six challengers in what observers say is the most crowded mayoral race in the city’s history. Among the strongest contenders are former governor Isidro Zayco and ex-congressman Genaro Alvarez.

Military officials said they have urged candidates to report any threats from the NPA or other armed groups, especially if campaigning in remote areas.

Escanillas said the Army is monitoring other areas in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental to prevent election-related violence by either NPA rebels or armed criminal groups. – Rappler.com