ILOILO City – The New People’s Army (NPA) in Panay Island is struggling to find replacements for its killed or captured leaders following a series of successful anti-insurgency operations by the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID).
According to 3ID spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel J-Jay Javines, the military has intensified its surveillance on the NPA to monitor any leadership changes after the neutralization of several key figures.
“They are finding it difficult to find replacements because no one is capable of leading. They are essentially paralyzed,” he said.
But even if they find a replacement, Javines said, “It will be challenging as we are closely monitoring their movements.”
Military records showed that 19 rebels have been neutralized during a month-long operation, from July 29 to August 31. These operations included 14 encounters, four of which were classified as major engagements.
The Philippine Army seized a total of 30 firearms, including 22 high-powered and eight low-powered weapons.
These confrontations led to the elimination of several top NPA leaders. Among those killed were Maria Concepcion Araneta Bocala, alias Concha, the 1st Deputy Secretary of Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay (KR-P); Vivian Torato Teodosio, alias Minerva, Secretary of the weakened Central Front, KR-P; and Vicente Hinojales, alias Arjie, Hadjie, Mandie, and LJ, the Regional Secretary of KR-P.
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-P, 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 reiterated the call for the remaining rebels to surrender, warning of continued military pursuit. He also praised the local government units and stakeholders in Iloilo for their crucial support in promoting peace and facilitating the surrender of rebels.
“The local government units in Iloilo have been very helpful and cooperative in attaining peace and order. Their efforts in helping us facilitate the rebels’ surrender are greatly appreciated,” Samson said./PN
