UP Cebu Graduate Killed in Kabankalan NPA Clash

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – A University of the Philippines Cebu graduate and transwoman activist was among seven alleged New People’s Army rebels killed in a series of military encounters in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on April 27.

The university’s official student publication, Tug-ani, paid tribute to Jhon Isidor Supelanas, also known as “Dalia” or “Dee,” recalling her as a student leader and advocate for various causes.

Her activism began in college when she joined Nagkahiusang Kusog sa Estudyante in 2018 and later served as Cebu coordinator for the National Union of Students of the Philippines in 2020.

She helped revive Anakbayan UP Cebu and became the spokesperson for Kabataan Partylist Cebu in 2021.

Supelanas was elected chairperson of the UP Cebu University Student Council and was nominated as the campus’ 38th Student Regent Nominee—the highest student representation in the UP system.

She also championed LGBTQIA+ rights and supported the passage of the SOGIE Equality Bill.

As a communication student, she helped relaunch Lanog, the CCAD student publication, and served as assistant station manager of DYUP Sugbo from 2018 to 2019.

She also hosted Youth on the March on DYCM 1152 and Pugasan sa Kahanginan on DYHP from 2021 to 2022.

In 2019, Supelanas joined a fact-finding mission investigating killings under “Oplan Sauron,” a joint military-police campaign targeting suspected NPA members in Negros.

She also volunteered for the Save Our Schools Network’s Cebu Bakwit School, teaching displaced Lumad youth.

Col. Erwin Rommel Lamzon, spokesperson for the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, said they are still verifying Supelanas’ presence in the area and her background.

“Why was he here—in Negros?” Lamzon asked.

The Army reported that a farmer was injured in the crossfire and allegedly used as a human shield by the rebels during the clash with remnants of the dismantled South West Front of the NPA’s Komiteng Rehiyon–Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor.

The civilian sustained facial shrapnel wounds and underwent minor surgery in a hospital, according to Lamzon.

The Army clarified that the man was not under suspicion and appeared to be caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The clashes stemmed from reports of unidentified individuals seeking shelter in a farmhouse in the village’s hinterlands.

The bodies of the seven killed were transported to Sola Funeral Homes in Kabankalan City for documentation and processing.

Two of the deceased—Reniel Locsin Cellon, known as “Adie” or “Kumpol,” an alleged squad leader and former commanding officer, and Charity Amacan, also known as “Nanay,” “Nelma” or “Cara,” an alleged squad leader and former secretary—have been claimed by their families.

The remains of Supelanas; Mary Jane Maguilat, also known as “Shonie,” “Chinchin” or “Shedi,” an alleged vice squad leader; Jhonrey Mejares, also known as “Jai” or “JR,” an alleged political instructor; a person identified only as “Pitong”; and Glendel Tinio Mejares, known as “Ayin,” both alleged medical officers, remain unclaimed.

Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, expressed concern for the wounded civilian and extended condolences to the families of those killed.

“We regret that a civilian was injured during the encounter, and we are ensuring he receives the best possible medical care,” Samson said.

He added that the Army’s condolences go to all families affected, regardless of affiliation.

“Every life lost in armed conflict is a tragedy,” he said.

Samson said the continued presence of NPA remnants in communities poses a threat to peace and endangers innocent lives.

“This incident is a stark reminder of why our efforts to end local communist armed conflict must continue,” he added.

He reiterated the military’s call for remaining rebels to surrender and choose the path of peace.

Despite the remoteness of the encounter sites, the city government extended support to nearby residents who were alarmed by the incident.