7 NPA Rebels Killed in Kabankalan Clashes, Firearms Seized

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Seven alleged remnants of the dismantled Southwest Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor, were killed in a series of clashes with military troopers in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, on Sunday morning.

Col. Erwin Rommel Lamzon, spokesperson for the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, said the fatalities included four women and three men, including two high-ranking officials of the New People’s Army.

The fatalities were identified by the Army as Jhonrey Mejares, alias “Jai” or “JR,” alleged political instructor and guide; Glendel Tinio Mejares, alias “Ayin,” medical officer; and Charity Amacan, alias “Cha,” “Leah,” squad leader and former secretary.

Also killed were Reniel Locsin Cellon, alias “Kumpol” or “Adie,” squad leader and former commanding officer; his wife Mary Jane Maguilat, alias “Shonie,” “Chinchin,” or “Shedi,” vice squad leader; Jhon Isidor Supelanas, alias “Dalia,” political instructor; and alias “Pitong,” medical officer.

“Kumpol” was tagged as notorious and had a pending civil case for murder, Lamzon said.

The first encounter erupted at 5:30 a.m. when military troopers responded to reports of unidentified persons occupying a farmhouse in the area.

Three more clashes followed as soldiers pursued the fleeing rebels.

Lamzon said the clashes ended at 6:50 a.m. with the discovery of the seven bodies.

Six high-powered firearms, including M16 rifles and an M203 grenade launcher, were recovered.

No injuries were reported on the government side, and no civilians were affected as the encounters happened in an isolated hinterland part of the village, Lamzon said.

Lamzon added that the Southwest Front was dismantled last year but speculated that “Kumpol” may also have been linked to alleged tax and extortion activities led by Hans Ponteras, who was killed in a clash in Barangay Caduha-an, Cadiz City, on March 8.

The series of clashes in Kabankalan City involved three battalions — the 47th, 15th, and 11th — under the 302nd Infantry Brigade.

Lamzon said the bodies of the fatalities have been brought to a funeral parlor.

“Regretfully, may pitong Pilipino na namatay,” Lamzon said, adding that the order was to go after the remnants unless they surrendered.

Lamzon said the area has been cleared but pursuit operations are ongoing.

In a statement, Major General Michael Samson, 3rd Infantry Division commander, lauded the troops for their swift and effective action while issuing a stern warning to those who continue to support or join the insurgency.

“This operation should serve as a wake-up call to those who still choose to support or join the NPA,” Samson said, vowing relentless pursuit against the remaining rebels.