CEBU CITY – The Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO-7) maintained that the New People’s Army in Bohol has been dismantled despite the most recent encounter in the municipality of Bilar.
Police Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare, spokesperson of PRO-7 chief Police Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin, said rebels that soldiers fought on Thursday morning, September 7, are just remnants of the NPA.
“This problem of insurgency in Bohol has been dismantled. Meaning, they are already in disarray, they are no longer organized. If there are sightings, they are just remnants,” said Pelare.
Six NPA rebels were killed during the series of encounters.
The fatalities were identified as Jingler Compoc, alias “Keth” from Bilar; Ruben Nabas, alias “Bogs,” from Batuan, Bohol; Nelson Lumantas, alias “Brando,” from San Miguel, Bohol; Rogelio Jorillo, alias “Tacoy,” from Minglanilla, Cebu; Zusimo Estaniola, alias “Emoy,” from Catigbian, Bohol; and a certain “Okloy.”
The encounter started at 7:35 a.m. while the 47th Infantry Battalion (IB) and the 21st Special Forces Company of the 302nd IB were military operations in Sitio Ilaud, Barangay Campagao.
“We are still receiving reports of sightings but these are just remnants. That’s why intelligence operations are continuing and the encounter last Thursday was a product of intelligence-led operations,” said Pelare.
The support of the community has been a big factor in the dismantling of NBA rebels in Bohol, Pelare said.
“Obviously, people are tired. They are not to be deceived anymore by these groups who give us nothing but troubles,” said Pelare.