Two regional leaders of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in a clash with troops of the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) in the hinterlands of Cadiz City, Negros Occidental on Saturday, March 8.

In a report yesterday afternoon, the 79IB identified the fatalities as Hans “Jojo” Ponteras, in his 40s, acting regional front secretary and finance officer of the Regional Taxation Implementing Group of Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor; and Marissa Pobresa, 23 years old, a former squad member who later became Ponteras’ primary staff and the unit’s regional communications officer.

In a press statement, Lt. Colonel Arnel Calaoagan, commander of the 79IB, described their deaths as a major setback for the communist group in Negros and the entire Visayas region.

“The neutralization of their sitting regional front secretary, at the same time as regional finance officer, and their communications officer signals their near decimation,” he added.

The clash, which took place in Hacienda Paraiso, Barangay Caduha-an at around 1:50 a.m., involved about seven NPA rebels.

Ponteras and Pobresa’s bodies were abandoned by their comrades.

Troops recovered firearms, grenades and subversive documents, including extortion letters allegedly signed by Ponteras under the alias “Armando Magbanua.”

The military reported no casualties on their side. (PNA)