7 suspected rebels killed in Negros Occidental encounter

FIREPOWER Several firearms were recovered by soldiers following an encounter with suspected rebels in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, on Sunday, April 27. —Photo courtesy of 3rd Infantry Division

BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines — Seven alleged remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in a series of encounters with government soldiers in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, on Sunday.

Killed were Jhonrey Mejares, political instructor/political guide; Glendel Tinio Mejares, medical officer; Charity Amacan, squad leader/former secretary of the NPA’s South East Front; Reniel Locsin Cellon, squad leader and former commanding officer; Mary Jane Maguilat, vice squad leader; Jhon Isidor Supelanas, political instructor; and a certain Pitong—medical officer—all of the South West Front.

Recovered from them were six M16 rifles, one of which was equipped with an M203 grenade launcher, one KG-9 submachine gun, and other war materials, according to Col. Erwin Rommel Lamzon, Philippine Army 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson.

The Army, he said, is looking into the possibility that the slain rebels were engaged in alleged election-related extortion activities, such as requiring candidates to obtain permits to campaign and safe conduct passes from them.

READ: 2 NPA regional leaders killed in northern Negros clash

The Army’s 11th, 15th, and 47th Infantry Battalions launched a focused military operation after receiving reports of the presence of the rebels in the area.

A series of firefights broke out, beginning at 5:30 a.m., followed by clashes at 5:35 a.m., 6:09 a.m., and 6:50 a.m.

Swift action

Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, 3rd Infantry Division commander, lauded the troops for their swift and effective action.

“This operation should serve as a wake-up call to those who still choose to support or join the CPP-NPA. Your Army in Negros will not stop. We will relentlessly pursue and neutralize all armed rebels wherever they hide,” he said.

Samson also urged the remaining NPA rebels to abandon the armed struggle and take the path toward peace.

“To those who remain in the armed movement, you are not only risking your own lives but also compromising the safety and future of your families and communities. The door to peace remains open. Surrender now while you still have the chance,” he added.