By JEN BAYLON
Seven suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in a series of encounters with government troops at Barangay Tapi in Negros Occidental’s Kabankalan City early yesterday morning.
According to Colonel Erwin Lamzon, Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) spokesperson, the confrontation erupted after residents reported the presence of armed rebels in Purok Maghirupay.
Acting on this intelligence and ongoing military operations, combined forces from the 15th and 47th Infantry Battalions launched an operation that led to four separate firefights at 5:30 a.m., lasting over an hour.
The skirmishes resulted in the deaths of five individuals — four women and three men — believed to be members of the NPA’s South West Front.
Brigadier General Joey Escanillas, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, said among the fatalities were Mary Jane Maquilat, political officer and secretary of the South West Front; Reniel Cellon, commanding officer; Charity Amacan, head of South East Front-Negros Oriental; political instructors Jhon Isidor Supelanas and Jhonrey Mejares; and Glendel Tinio Mejares, medical officer.
No government casualties were reported.
Several high-powered firearms and personal belongings were also recovered from the encounter site.
The military continued its clearing operations after the encounter.
Local officials have urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities to ensure the safety of the community.
Meanwhile, the 3ID stated that the alleged rebels initiated the firefight when soldiers responded to reports of their presence.
The military emphasized that the operation was conducted in accordance with the law and that clearing operations are ongoing to secure the area.
In recent months, Kabankalan has seen a series of armed encounters between the military and suspected NPA remnants, leading to displacement of residents and heightened security measures in affected barangays.
Authorities have called on remaining rebels to surrender and avail themselves of government assistance programs, stressing the importance of peace and order in the region.
The Commission on Human Rights has previously announced independent investigations into similar incidents in Kabankalan, as questions have been raised by some community members regarding the circumstances of these encounters.
The Philippine Army maintains that their actions are legitimate and in line with international humanitarian law./JB, WDJ