ILOILO City – A suspected rebel was killed and several high-powered firearms were seized in two separate clashes in barangay Tacayan, Tapaz, Capiz.
According to military authorities, the fatality was Jerryl Giganto Katipunan, alias Osong/Jason, suspected member of the New People’s Army’s (NPA) Central Front and Regional Sentro De Grabidad (RSDG), Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay.
The first encounter occurred at 2:45 p.m. on Monday after residents alerted the military to the presence of 14 armed men in the area, said Lieutenant Colonel Vicel Jan Garsuta, commander of the Philippine Army’s 12th Infantry Battalion (12IB).
Government troops dispatched to the location engaged in a 40-minute gunfight with members of the dismantled Central Front and RSDG of Komiteng Rehiyon Panay.
The rebels retreated, leaving behind an M653 assault rifle, an M16 rifle, four rifle grenades, three M16 magazines with live ammunition, and three backpacks.
A second encounter took place the following day at 11 a.m. as soldiers pursued the fleeing rebels. The brief 10-minute clash resulted in the death of Katipunan.
“Our men are still conducting manhunt operations against Katipunan’s companions. We urge them to surrender to avoid further bloodshed,” said Garsuta.
Major General Marion Sison, commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), lauded the troops for their successful operations.
“We remain steadfast in our mission to end the decades-long insurgency in Panay. These encounters and the recovery of firearms are part of our broader campaign to neutralize this terrorist organization,” Sison said.
He reiterated his call for remaining rebels to surrender and avail themselves of government programs such as the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and the Amnesty Program.
“Choose peace while you still can. Return to the fold of the law and rebuild your lives with the support of your families, communities, and the government,” Sison added.
Authorities assured continued operations to achieve Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) in Panay Island./PN
