Rebels lacking capacity for retaliatory strikes, Army commander asserts

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Southern Front of the NPA Komiteng Rehiyon–Panay (KR-P) has been left disoriented and suppressed, currently lacking the capability to mount retaliatory attacks, according to military sources.

“But it doesn’t mean that we should let our guards down. We are still maintaining the momentum. We have the upper hand. We are running after them,” said Brigadier General Michael Samson, commander of the Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade.

Samson’s comments followed an early morning clash on February 28, where troops from the 61st Infantry Battalion engaged with approximately 20 members of the NPA’s Southern Front in Barangay Torocadan, San Joaquin.

The encounter resulted in the death of four suspected NPA insurgents and injury to another.

Among the deceased was Rena Rhea Camariosa, known as Kira, daughter of the Southern Front’s Puregold Platoon leader Nahum Camariosa, also referred to as Bebong.

Rena Rhea’s remains were discovered in a nipa hut in Barangay Camabaan, San Joaquin, Iloilo, at around 7 a.m. on February 29.

While some speculate that Rena Rhea’s death might incite the group to retaliate aggressively against government forces, Samson counters that the rebels are in a compromised position, making significant offensives unlikely as they remain fugitive.

“We might be able to catch up with them. The area is dense and the terrain is very difficult to navigate,” he explained.

Despite the challenging conditions, soldiers have managed to follow their trail, indicated by bloodstains and discarded bandages found along the rebels’ withdrawal path.

Further evidence of rebel injuries came from a female insurgent who surrendered, Samson revealed.

In the meantime, Samson reasserted the government’s commitment to managing the situation appropriately and expressed deep sympathy for the families of the deceased insurgents.

Additionally, debriefing sessions have been conducted for residents in the adjacent communities.