By Nanette Guadalquiver
BACOLOD CITY – Two top cadres of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) killed in a recent encounter with Philippine Army troops in Kabankalan City were wanted for several counts of murder, the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) confirmed on Wednesday.
Reniel Locsin Cellon, former commander of Southwest Front, had four outstanding arrest warrants for murder and direct assault while Charity Amacan, former secretary of Southeast Front, faced 11 arrest warrants for murder.
Cellon and Amacan died with five of their comrades in a clash with soldiers from the 11th, 15th, and 47th Infantry Battalions in the hinterlands of Barangay Tapi last Sunday.
“The cases against them are now classified as solved, bringing long-awaited justice to their victims through their identification and neutralization,” the NOCPPO said in a statement.
Another fatality, Mary Jane Maguilat, had an outstanding warrant for violation of the Commission on Elections gun ban for the May 2013 elections.
The NOCPPO is also conducting a validation process to determine existing criminal records of the other neutralized personalities identified as Jhon Isidor Supelanas, Jhunrey Mejares, Glendel Tinio Mejares, and an individual identified only as “Pitong”.
“The NOCPPO remains committed to supporting the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the campaign against insurgency and to maintaining peace, order, and security throughout the province.”
Army soldiers of the 79th Infantry Battalion brought home the remains of Amacan, 61, to her next of kin in Barangay Malasibog, Escalante City on Monday.
“Our duty as soldiers extends beyond the battlefield. We hope that this simple act of compassion brings a measure of comfort to the family during this painful time,” 79IB commander Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the 3rd Infantry Division reported that Marcel Camangyan Anguit, the civilian wounded during the clash, is recovering at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital here.
“We regret that a civilian was injured during the encounter and we are ensuring that he receives the best possible medical care. We also extend our deepest condolences to the families of those killed regardless of their affiliations,” 3ID commander Maj. Gen. Michael Samson said in a separate statement. (PNA)
