Suspected rebel killed in Iloilo clash

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Members of the Philippine Army and suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels clashed anew in Iloilo province on August 7.

The latest encounter involved members of the 61st, 12th, and 82nd Infantry Battalions and the composite team from the NPA’s Regional Headquarters (RHQ) and Central Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay (CF, KR-P) at 10:40 a.m. in Barangay Cabatangan, Lambunao town.

The five-minute firefight resulted in the death of Jose Jerry Tacaisan, alias Miller/Bronze, 54, a member of RHQ, KR-P, and a former squad leader of the dismantled Southern Panay Front. Tacaisan hailed from Sitio Tabionan, Barangay Bucari, Leon.

The Lambunao clash came two days after members of the 12th IB overran an NPA temporary encampment in Calinog, Iloilo.

That incident also claimed the life of another rebel, Benjamin Cortel, alias Mamang/Amor, the Political Officer of RHQ, KR-P.

Cortel hailed from Barangay Cochero, Molo, Iloilo City, and was the husband of Lenilyn Custorio Jaynos, alias Sandra, former Finance Officer of KR-Panay, who was apprehended in September 2022 in Barangay Sibaguan, Roxas City, Capiz.

Reports indicated that soldiers received information about rebel sightings at the boundaries of Lambunao and Calinog towns in Iloilo and Valderrama, Antique.

According to the 3rd Infantry Division, the firefight resulted from soldiers conducting combat operations in response to a tip-off from the local populace about the presence of armed NPAs in the area.

Aside from Tacaisan’s body, the military seized 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.

The 3rd ID leadership commended the operating troops and the local community for their collaborative effort, which led to the neutralization of another CTG member and the capture of a high-powered firearm.

“We will not rest until we have dismantled the last remaining guerrilla front of the CTG in Panay,” Major General Marion Sison, 3rd ID commander, said.

Citing 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, Sison expressed confidence in making Iloilo and the entire Panay Island a more peaceful and progressive place to live in.

He also renewed his call for the remaining NPAs in Panay to surrender to avoid further misfortune and loss of life. Sison assured the government’s 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,” Sison said.