BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO City – The Philippine Army is determined to declare Panay Island insurgency-free before this month ends.
Major General Marion Sison, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), cited the progress in the provinces of Antique, Iloilo, and Capiz, which are now in the “Conflict Manageable Stage” (CMS) — the final step before reaching the Stable Internal Peace and Security Stage (SIPSS).
Lieutenant Colonel J-Jay Javines, spokesperson for the 3ID, detailed the ongoing efforts in dismantling the New People’s Army (NPA).
“We have already dismantled the Central Front (Weakened) and are focusing on the Komiten Rehiyon (KR)-Panay faction to fully achieve SIPSS status for the island,” Javines explained.
The push towards SIPSS follows the successful declaration of Negros Occidental as insurgency-free in March 2024. The efforts reflect the Army’s broader strategy to secure peace across the region, promising a safer future for local residents.
The NPA in Panay has been significantly weakened, struggling to replace leaders neutralized in recent military operations.
According to Javines, the NPA finds it challenging to appoint new leaders, leaving the group in a state of paralysis.
“Even with potential new leaders, the military’s close monitoring makes any significant regrouping difficult,” he added.
From July 29 to August 31, the Philippine Army reported the neutralization of 19 rebels, capturing 30 firearms in a series of encounters, including major engagements.
Among the neutralized were prominent NPA leaders such as Maria Concepcion Araneta Bocala, alias Concha, the 1st Deputy Secretary of KR-Panay; Vivian Torato Teodosio, alias Minerva, Secretary of the weakened Central Front, KR-Panay; and Vicente Hinojales, alias Arjie, Hadjie, Mandie, and LJ, the Regional Secretary of KR-Panay.
Bocala and Teodosio were killed during a clash with the 82nd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Cabatangan, Lambunao, Iloilo, on August 15.
Additional key figures from KR-Panay, including Aurelio Bosque, alias Burnok, former spokesperson of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Panay; Armando Sabares, alias Kamlon, Regional Ordnance Officer; and Romulo Gangoso, alias Reagan, former Commanding Officer of the dismantled Eastern Front, were also killed in an encounter with combined forces of the 12th and 82nd Infantry Battalions in Barangay Aglonok, Calinog, Iloilo, on August 8.
Brigadier General Michael Samson commended the local government units in Iloilo for their support in the peace efforts and encouraged the remaining insurgents to surrender.
“The cooperation from local governments has been instrumental in our peacekeeping success,” said Samson./PN
