The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported Tuesday, Oct. 11, the killing of a spokesperson of the New People's Army (NPA) in an armed encounter with the military in Himamaylayan City, Negros Occidental.
Romeo Nanta alias "Juanito Magbanua" was shot dead in a clash with troops from the 94th Infantry Battalion (94IB), 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) of the Philippine Army on Monday, Oct. 10.
Nanta was the pinpointed spokesperson of the NPA's Apolinario Gatmaitan Command and commanding officer of the Regional Operational Command of the NPA units in Negros Island and the entire Central Visayas region, according to the AFP.
Col. Medel Aguilar, acting spokesperson of the AFP, said Nanta "has existing warrants of arrest for rebellion, robbery-in-band, and attempted and frustrated murder," and is "directly responsible for all the crimes committed by NPA members under his command."
"His death is a big blow to the CPP/NPA/NDF [Communist Party of the Philippines, NPA, National Democratic Front," Aguilar said.
"Aside from losing its propagandist, Nanta’s death leaves a leadership vacuum in said NPA Command that will result in the demoralization and disintegration of its members. The AFP expects that the death of Nanta will mean a more secure and peaceful Negros Island," he added.
A report from the 3ID said that troops from 94IB were conducting hot pursuit operations on Oct. 10 following a series of encounters since October 6 when they clashed with around 10 NPA rebels at the vicinity of Sitio Medel in Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City.
The firefight ensued for about 10 minutes and resulted in the death of Nanta.
This was the fifth encounter recorded since last week as 94IB troops were pounding NPA rebels in Brgy. Carabalan.
“His death will surely bring a domino effect on the leadership, terroristic operations, and plans of the communist terrorists in Negros. Demoralization within the ranks of NPA under Nanta’s command is also expected,” said 3ID commander Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo.