Teodoro warns NPA over Negros soldier’s killing

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — “Pananagutan niyo ito” (You will pay for this).

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. issued the warning to the New People’s Army following the death of Private First Class John Rey Brasil in an armed encounter in Barangay Tamlang, Escalante City, Negros Occidental, on Monday.

Teodoro flew from Cagayan de Oro to Sagay City on Wednesday to visit Brasil’s wake, pay his respects, and extend his condolences to the bereaved family.

Teodoro honored the sacrifice and service of Brasil, who died in the line of duty during an encounter with remnants of the dismantled Northern Negros Front.

“Masakit talaga itong nangyari” (This incident is really painful), Teodoro said.

Teodoro also expressed concern for Brasil’s 24-year-old widow, who deeply mourned his death more than a year after they were married.

Teodoro said Brasil was shot in the head while guiding troops of the Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion who were tracking an armed group.

He said the rebels went into residential communities to hide among civilians, putting innocent people at risk.

In a media interview, Teodoro said the incident proved that the information provided by soldiers was true.

“We have long warned that protection should not be given to terrorists,” he added.

Teodoro said the Armed Forces is prepared to answer questions about its actions.

“But those responsible should also face the family of this young soldier and explain why his sacrifice was not justified,” he added.

He urged those supporting the NPA to conduct a proper investigation.

“Harapin ninyo ang pamilya nito ngayon at sabihin na hindi tama ang sakripisyo ng batang ito. Mag imbestiga kayo ngayon dito,” he said.

Teodoro said Brasil was supposed to undergo schooling before his death.

Brasil, 29, of Guimbal, Iloilo, entered military service when he was 19 after experiencing the effects of the insurgency in his hometown.

Teodoro said that experience inspired Brasil to become a soldier.

“He became a good soldier and died an honorable death,” Teodoro added.

“Inuna sarili niya bago ang tropa na nililead niya,” he said.

Despite the loss, Teodoro vowed that focused military operations against insurgency in Negros Occidental would continue.

He said the Army would be more vigilant, especially as the number of NPA rebels continues to dwindle.

“Hindi titigil ang tropa. Nagkakalat sila (NPA) kung ano-ano ang ginagawa nila kaya mas kailangan ng protection ng community,” he added.

Teodoro said the government had given NPA rebels several opportunities to surrender.

“They are armed, and we have repeatedly called on them to surrender. They knew they had the opportunity to do so,” he said.

He said troops would not stop their operations because their mission is to protect communities from violence and armed threats.

Although they lost a comrade, Teodoro said soldiers remain committed to strengthening efforts to prevent similar tragedies.

He said the painful incident also reminded them why such efforts are necessary.

“If we fail to act decisively, these groups could become warlords who threaten peace and security. We cannot allow that to happen. No government should tolerate armed groups that continue to violate the law,” he said.

Teodoro said military operations are being conducted to ensure continued peace, progress, and development in Negros.

Teodoro visited the province a few weeks earlier to commend the 79th IB after its April 19 clash with NPA rebels led by wanted hitman Roger Fabillar Tapang in Toboso, where 19 people were killed.

Lt. Col. Eric Alfonso, commander of the 79th IB, said one of Tapang’s companions was allegedly identified as among the remnants encountered by troops in Escalante City.

Alfonso said the rebel was a fugitive with arrest warrants for acts of lasciviousness, carnapping, and murder.

Teodoro said the identification confirmed that the military operation was legitimate and directed against armed individuals.

The Army said troops failed to immediately return fire because the rebels hid in a residential area, putting civilians at risk.

Brasil’s remains will be brought to his wife’s hometown in Murcia.

Brasil and his wife were married in January 2025.