ILOILO CITY – The 3rd Infantry Division (ID) of the Philippine Army neutralized 30 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Western and Central Visayas in September.
The 3rd ID said 16 NPA rebels were killed while others surrendered from September 1 to September 30.
Among the communist fighters killed was Rebecca Alfaro, alias “Jing,” who was among three casualties in a September 29 encounter with the 61st Infantry Battalion (IB) in Leon town, Iloilo province. Alfaro was the secretary of the NPA Southern Front Committee in Panay Island.
A BODY bag containing the cadaver of a slain New People’s Army (NPA) rebel is offloaded from a Philippine Air Force helicopter. Three NPA rebels were killed in a September 29 clash with the 61st Infantry Battalion in Iloilo. (3rd ID photo)
Others were killed in clashes in Negros Island which is under the area of coverage of 3rd ID units.
Among the 12 NPA rebels who surrendered last month through the efforts of the 79th IB was a former secretary of the NPA Northern Negros Front.
The 3rd ID also seized 33 firearms – 15 high-powered and 18 low-powered – and five explosives
The 3rd ID attributed the neutralization of the NPA rebels to the strong support of locals who provided ground information.
“Our persistent victory in crushing the NPA is a result of the unwavering support and cooperation from the local populace. They have become increasingly vigilant, providing us with timely and accurate information about the movement and activities of the NPA,” said Major Gen. Marion Sison, 3rd ID commander.