By Nanette Guadalquiver

ENCOUNTER. The firearms, other weapons, subversive documents, and personal items recovered by troops of the Philippine Army’s 47th Infantry Battalion after a clash with New People’s Army remnants in Barangay Tampalon, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on Saturday (March 21, 2026). The gun battle claimed the lives of three rebels linked to the summary executions of civilians in southern Negros. (Photo courtesy of 47th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

BACOLOD CITY – Three New People’s Army (NPA) remnants linked to the summary executions of civilians in southern Negros died in a clash with Philippine Army troops in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on Saturday morning.

A military report identified the fatalities as  Milky “Gorting” Sampini, Ritchie “Makoy”/”Akiro” Verano, and Joedil “Junjun”/“Cairo” Balsimo, who were part of the dismantled South West Front and Regional Strike Force of the Komiteng Rehiyon – Negros.

“The operation was prompted by timely reports from concerned residents on the presence of NPA elements. Community members have expressed growing frustration and anger over the atrocities committed by these groups,” Lt. Col. Dennis Martinez, commander of the 47th Infantry Battalion (IB), said in a statement.

At about 4 a.m., soldiers of the 47IB engaged a group of rebels in a two-minute gun battle in the hinterlands of Sitio Santol in Barangay Tampalon.

Aside from neutralizing the three, the soldiers also seized five high-powered firearms – one R4 rifle, two M16 rifles, and two M203 grenade launchers – as well as a hand grenade, personal items, and subversive documents.

According to the 302nd Infantry Brigade (IBde), the three fatalities were among the perpetrators in the series of civilian killings and arson incidents in Negros Island.

Among the recent victims are Leonora Anguit, 74, and Renante Vedarte, 39, of Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City.

“This accomplishment reflects the unwavering dedication of our soldiers to their sworn duty. We will not stop until those responsible for terrorizing our communities are brought to justice,” 302IBde commander, Brig. Gen. Jason Jumawan, said.

In a separate statement, Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, said the continued unity between the military and the people is vital in securing lasting peace in Negros Island.

“We call on the remaining members of the communist-terrorist group to abandon the armed struggle and return to mainstream society to avoid suffering the same misfortune as their comrades. Lay down your arms, come down, and embrace peace,” Samson said. (PNA)