By CESAR JOLITO III
Government troops neutralized three alleged remnants of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) and seized high-powered firearms following an early morning encounter at Barangay Tampalon in Negros Occidental’s Kabankalan City on Saturday, March 21.
The brief firefight, which lasted approximately two minutes, resulted in the deaths of three suspected rebels, the Philippine Army’s 47th Infantry Battalion said.
Military authorities identified the fatalities as Milky “Gorting” Sampini, Ritchie “Makoy” or “Akiro” Verano, and Joedil “Junjun” or “Cairo” Balsimo.
They were reportedly associated with remnants of the dismantled South West Front and Regional Strike Force under the Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros.
Recovered from the encounter site were one R4 rifle, two M16 rifles, two M203 grenade launchers, a hand grenade, and documents believed to be linked to subversive activities.
The Army said the individuals had been linked to a series of violent incidents in Negros Island, including killings and arson.
Among the cases attributed to the group were the deaths of two residents of Kabankalan’s Barangay Tapi — 74-year-old Leonora Anguit and 39-year-old Renante Vedarte.
No casualties were reported on the side of government forces.
Government troops were conducting security operations after receiving reports of armed insurgents in the area when they encountered members of dismantled rebel units at around 4:00 a.m. in Sitio Santol.
The 3rd Infantry Division commended the 47th Infantry Battalion for the successful operation, citing the role of community cooperation and timely information in locating the armed group.
Major General Michael Samson, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, said the operation reflects the government’s continuing efforts to dismantle remaining insurgent elements in the Negros Island Region.
He also urged remaining members of the CTG to abandon armed struggle and take advantage of government reintegration and amnesty 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 said.
The Army said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure peace and security in Negros Occidental and nearby areas./CJ, WDJ