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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider NPA leader, 2 others dead in Batangas clash -- military

NPA leader, 2 others dead in Batangas clash -- military

Published Mar 27, 2024 07:13 am

An alleged New People's Army (NPA) leader and two other members died in an armed encounter with the Philippine Army's 2nd Infantry Division (2ID) in Rosario, Batangas on Tuesday, March 26.

Major Michael Malacad, officer in charge of 2ID public affairs office, identified the fatalities as Junalice Arante-Isita alias "Arya", secretary of the Sub-Regional Military Area 4C (SRMA-4C), Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee (STRPC); Bernardo Bagaas alias "John Paul", logistics officer of SRMA-4C; and Erickson Bedonia alias "Ricky", member of SRMA-4C. 

A report from the 2ID said that troops from the 59th Infantry Battalion of the 201st Infantry Brigade led by Brig. Gen. Erwin A. Alea were conducting focused military operations in Barangay Leviste when they clashed with an undetermined number of SRMA-4C fighters.

The firefight lasted for 30 minutes and ended with the death of the three before their comrades retreated and escaped, Malacad said.

The troops also recovered one M16 rifle, one baby armalite, one M4 Bushmaster rifle, six jungle packs, and wire for improvised explosive devices on site. 

According to 2ID, Isita was the party wife of Isagani Isita alias Yano, an alleged leader of STRPC’s "Sinag 2" who died on July 30, 2023 during the service of multiple arrest warrants in Sariaya, Quezon. 

Maj. Gen. Roberto S. Capulong, commander of 2ID, condoled with the families of the slain rebels as he regret that they could have enjoyed peaceful laves had they opted to return to the folds of the law and rejoin the mainstream society. 

Capulong also underscored the ongoing efforts of the 2ID to combat NPA recruitment activities, noting that through various community programs and educational campaigns, the military has been actively working to dissuade individuals from joining the communist group.

Related Tags

CPP-NPA-NDF Batangas Philippine Army
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