ILOILO – The decomposing body of Vicente Hinojales, identified as the regional secretary of the New People’s Army (NPA), was found on Thursday, August 15, at an encounter site in Barangay Cabatangan, Lambunao town.
The military confirmed the recovery, and noted his association with multiple aliases including Arjie, Hadjie, Mandi, and LJ.
Lieutenant Colonel J-Jay Javines, spokesperson for the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, reported that the body was discovered by troops who had returned to the site following a recent clash.
His identity was verified by former rebels and personal items found with him.
“This discovery led to further operations in the area, which resulted in additional encounters with rebels,” Javines added.
The military is still investigating whether Hinojales was killed in the earlier August 5 encounter in Calinog town, which resulted in the deaths of five rebels, or in the subsequent actions.
Recovered alongside Hinojales was a Glock 17 .9mm pistol, previously belonging to Corporal Frederick Villasis, a soldier slain in 2021 by the NPA.
Hinojales, originally from Barangay Linao, Matalam, North Cotabato, was noted for his previous role as secretary of the Guerilla Front 14 in Mindanao before relocating to Panay Island in 2017.
With several arrest warrants in Agusan del Sur for charges including destructive arson and kidnapping, Hinojales had been implicated in numerous attacks. These include raids and ambushes in various provinces, marking him as a significant figure in terrorist activities across the region.
Major General Marion Sison, commander of the 3ID, commended the Philippine Army’s 82IB in anti-insurgency operations that have significantly disrupted the NPA’s activities on Panay.
“We are determined to dismantle the remaining rebel forces by the end of September this year, ensuring a stable and secure environment for the people of Panay,” said Sison./PN
