ILOILO City – Another suspected member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in an encounter in Barangay Cabatangan, Lambunao, Iloilo on Wednesday, August 7.
Authorities identified the casualty as Jose Jerry “Miller”/”Bronze” Tacaisan, 54, and a resident of Sitio Tabionan, Barangay Bucari, Leon town. He was believed to be a member of the Regional Headquarters, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay (RHQ, KR-P) and former squad leader of the dismantled Southern Panay Front.
Troops of the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) were conducting offensive operation around 10:40 a.m. when they encountered armed men from alleged RHQ and Central Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay.
“The firefight lasted for five minutes because maybe they knew that they would be overpowered. No wounded among my men,” said Lieutenant Arturo Colonel Balgos Jr. of the 61IB.
Soldiers of the 61IB also recovered from the encounter site an M16 assault rifle, 85 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, magazines for the M16, a bandolier, subversive documents with high intelligence value, and personal belongings.
On Monday, August 5, the troops of the Army’s 82nd and 12th Infantry Battalions also engaged in a clash with the same rebel groups in Barangay Aglonok, Calinog town, resulting to the death of suspected NPA member identified as Benjamin Cortel, known by the aliases Mamang and Amor, who allegedly served as the political officer of RHQ, KR-P.
Five high-powered guns were seized.
Major General Marion Sison, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, commended the operating troops and the local community for their collaborative effort.
“We will not rest until we have dismantled the last remaining guerrilla front of the communist terrorist group in Panay. With the support of everyone working alongside us and contributing to our goal of establishing a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) in this part of the country, I am confident that we can make Iloilo and the entire Panay Island a more peaceful and progressive place to live,” said Sison.
He further told the remaining rebels: “Come forward; your government is ready to welcome you back into mainstream society with various support through its Enhanced-Comprehensive Integration Program. You deserve a second chance, so take this opportunity while you still can and return to the embrace of your family who truly cares for you.”/PN
