By CESAR JOLITO III
The Cauayan municipal government prepares to formally declare the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) persona non grata following a deadly encounter that left five alleged rebel leaders dead in a recent military operation.
Local officials said the move underscores the town’s firm stance against armed conflict after a major security breakthrough on May 16, which authorities described as the neutralization of the leadership of the Southern Negros Front.
Mayor John Rey Tabujara said the declaration reflects the municipality’s unified rejection of violence and insurgency.
“Declaring them persona non grata sends a clear message: Their violent ways are no longer welcome here. The people have spoken, and we stand united against their destruction,” Tabujara said.
He also encouraged remaining members of the armed group to surrender and avail government reintegration programs aimed at helping former rebels return to peaceful civilian life.
Military authorities confirmed that five alleged members of the NPA’s Southern Negros Front were killed during a firefight along the boundaries of Barangays Abaca, Poblacion and Man-uling in Cauayan.
Leading the fatalities were Southern Negros Front Commander Rolando Dantes, alias “Anyo,” along with his reported subordinates Gilbert Tingson, Jobert Casipong alias “John” or “Robi,” Alex Languita, and Vince Francis Dingding.
Brigadier General Jason Jumawan of the 302nd Infantry Brigade said the operation was launched after validated intelligence reports indicated the group was allegedly planning targeted attacks against civilians suspected of cooperating with government forces.
Troops from the 15th Infantry Battalion were deployed in coordination with local authorities, leading to the armed confrontation.
Authorities cite security threats, arrest warrants
Military officials said the group led by Dantes had long been linked to multiple violent incidents in southern Negros Occidental, including killings and other criminal activities.
Dantes was also reported to be facing several standing warrants of arrest for murder and other serious charges.
Recovered from the encounter site were multiple high-powered firearms and war materials, including a .60-caliber machine gun, M16 and M14 rifles, an M203 grenade launcher, hand grenades, tactical communication devices, and alleged subversive documents.
With the latest clash significantly weakening the rebel presence in the area, local officials said Cauayan is reinforcing its security posture while pushing for long-term peace and stability.
Authorities stressed that the declaration of persona non grata is part of broader efforts to discourage armed insurgency and encourage remaining fighters to surrender peacefully.
The municipality remains committed to restoring lasting peace and preventing further violence in its communities./CJ, WDJ