By Nanette Guadalquiver
BACOLOD CITY – Military officials urged remnants of the New People’s Army in Negros Island to surrender as the communist-terrorist group suffered a major blow following the death of seven cadres in a clash with government troops in Negros Occidental on Sunday.
“This operation should serve as a wake-up call to those who still choose to support or join the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA). We will relentlessly pursue and neutralize all armed rebels. The door to peace remains open, surrender while you still have the chance,” Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (ID), said in a statement.
The series of firefights, which took place between 5:30 a.m. and 6:50 a.m. in the hinterlands of Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City, claimed the lives of Reniel Locsin Cellon, Mary Jane Maguilat, Jhon Isidor Supelanas, and a certain “Pitong,” all from the NPA Southwest Front, as well as Jhunrey Mejares, Glendel Tinio Mejares, and Charity Amacan, from the Southeast Front.
Both rebel fronts have been previously declared as dismantled by the Philippine Army.
According to a report of the 3ID, troops from the 11th, 15th, and 47th Infantry Battalions (IBs) clashed with the NPA remnants after learning of their presence from the locals.
After the gunbattle, they recovered six M16 rifles, one of these equipped with an M203 grenade launcher, and a KG9 submachine gun.
Brig. Gen. Joey Escanillas, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade based in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, lauded the troops for carrying out the successful counter-terrorism operation without casualties on the government side.
“This operation is vital in safeguarding the local populace, and its success exemplifies their dedication and skill,” he added.
Escanillas said the cooperation and support of the community was also instrumental to the victory.
“We urge the public to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with our forces to bring an end to the local communist armed conflict,” he said.
In a separate statement, Lt. Gen. Fernando Reyeg, commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Visayas Command, said the troops delivered another major blow to the CPP-NPA, further weakening its forces and bringing the Visayas closer to achieving stability and security.
“We will continue to press on the fight to end the local communist armed conflict in the Visayas. As such, we call on the few remaining members of the terrorist group to lay down their arms and return to the fold of the law,” he added. (PNA)
