The Philippine Army yesterday vowed to sustain focused operations after foiling the attempt of New People’s Army (NPA) remnants to sow violence and neutralizing a rebel leader in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental last week.

Reynaldo “Amik” Erecre, secretary of Komiteng Rehiyon (KR)-Negros, died in a clash with troops of the 94th Infantry Battalion (94IB) in Sitio Apitong, Barangay Biao, in the afternoon of January 30.

Earlier in the day, his comrade Regie “Dante” Pacheco was also killed in a gunfight in Sitio Hacienda Dama.

In a statement, Brigadier General Ted Dumosmog, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade based in Murcia, Negros Occidental, lauded the 94IB for the successful operation, noting the crucial role of community cooperation.

“We will continue focused operations strengthened by civilian support to preserve peace and progress for every Negrense,” he added.

Military reports showed remnants of the NPA Central Negros 2 and Regional Strike Force had planned to burn the heavy equipment used for ongoing infrastructure projects in Barangay Biao.

“Timely information from residents enabled swift action to prevent sabotage of government projects,” Dumosmog said.

Lt. Colonel Ziegfred Tayaban, commanding officer of 94IB, said the death of Erecre creates a “leadership vacuum” for the NPA in Negros Island.

“Considering that he is the regional secretary of KR-Negros, the loss will affect the leadership. It will have an effect on their plans to commit atrocities,” he added.

Major General Michael Samson, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, reiterated his call for peace, healing and reconciliation.

“We call on the remnants of the communist-terrorist group to abandon their terroristic way of life and return to the fold of the law,” he said.

Samson said those who will leave the armed struggle can avail of the government’s reintegration programs, such as the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program and the grant of amnesty. (PNA)