Army neutralizes 19 rebels, seizes 30 guns in one month

By Jennifer P. Rendon

In just one month, the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3rd ID) neutralized 19 local rebels and recovered 30 firearms during a series of combat operations in Western Visayas.

Sixteen of the 19 neutralized New People’s Army (NPA) members were killed in encounters, while three others were either arrested or surrendered.

The operations began on July 29, with the first encounter taking place in Barangay Basak, Cauayan, Negros Occidental. The 3rd ID initiated a total of 14 engagements, including four major encounters, from that date until August 31.

Among the 19 neutralized rebels were top NPA leaders, including Maria Concepcion Araneta Bocala, alias Concha, the 1st Deputy Secretary of Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay (KR-P); Vivian Torato Teodosio, alias Minerva, Secretary of the weakened Central Front, KR-P; and Vicente Hinojales, alias Arjie, Hadjie, Mandie, and LJ, the Regional Secretary of KR-P.

Araneta-Bocala and Teodosio were killed in an August 15 encounter with the 82nd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Cabatangan, Lambunao, Iloilo. Hinojales’ body was also discovered in the same area.

Other neutralized NPA key figures included Aurelio Bosque, alias Burnok, former spokesperson of Bayan-Panay; Armando Sabares, alias Kamlon, Regional Ordnance Officer; and Romulo Gangoso, alias Reagan, former Commanding Officer of the dismantled Eastern Front. They were killed on August 8 during a series of encounters in Barangay Aglonok, Calinog, Iloilo, involving the 12th and 82nd Infantry Battalions.

The 3rd ID leadership said these combat accomplishments bolster their efforts toward declaring a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) in Western Visayas.

The 3rd ID’s commander, Major General Marion Sison, commended the division’s personnel for their dedication.

“These milestones are hallmarks of their exceptional skills and determination to establish an SIPS zone in Western Visayas,” Sison said.

“When the loudest clarion call sounds, we rise above any situation and deliver the best results, no matter the circumstances. Our quality of work remains consistent and unprecedented, leading to victories one after another,” he added.

Sison expressed optimism that these accomplishments will be a stepping stone to even greater success in the coming months as they aim to meet their campaign targets.