BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental — Three members of the New People’s Army (NPA) allegedly linked to a series of summary executions in southern Negros were killed during a dawn encounter with government troops in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, on Saturday.
Military officials identified the deceased as Milky “Gorting” Sampini, Ritchie “Makoy”/”Akiro” Verano, and Joedil “Junjun”/“Cairo” Balsimo. According to the Philippine Army, the three were remnants of the dismantled South West Front and Regional Strike Force of the Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros.
The clash erupted at approximately 4:00 a.m. in the hinterlands of Sitio Santol, Barangay Tampalon, after residents alerted the 47th Infantry Battalion (IB) to the rebels’ presence.
“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,” stated Lt. Col. Dennis Martinez, commander of the 47IB.
Following a brief but intense two-minute firefight, soldiers recovered the bodies of the three fatalities along with an arsenal of high-powered firearms, including one R4 rifle, two M16 rifles, two M203 grenade launchers, and one hand grenade.
Troops also seized various personal items and documents described as “subversive” from the encounter site.
The 302nd Infantry Brigade (IBde) confirmed that the three individuals were primary suspects in several recent killings and arson incidents across Negros Island. Among their alleged victims were 74-year-old Leonora Anguit and 39-year-old Renante Vedarte, both residents of Barangay Tapi in Kabankalan City.
Brig. Gen. Jason Jumawan, commander of the 302IBde, lauded the troops for the operation.
“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,” Jumawan said.
In a separate appeal, Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, urged the remaining insurgents to surrender and avail themselves of government reintegration programs.
“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 added.| PNA
