ILOILO CITY – Nineteen New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were neutralized in the islands of Panay and Negros from July 29 to August 31.
NINETEEN New People's Army rebels were killed in encounters with the military in Panay and Negros Islands from July 29 to August 31.
The 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army engaged communist rebels in 14 encounters.
Thirteen of the NPA fatalities were from Panay Island and six were from Negros Island.
“When the loudest clarion call sounds, we rise above any situation and deliver the best results, no matter the circumstances,” said Major Gen. Marion Sison, 3rd ID commander.
“The quality of our work remains consistent and unprecedented, leading to victories one after another,” added Sison.
Among the NPA rebels killed was Maria Concepcion Araneta-Bocala or “Ka Concha.” She died in an encounter with the 82nd Infantry Battalion under the 301st Infantry Brigade on August 15 in Lambunao, Iloilo.
Bocala, former secretary general of the NPA in Panay Island, was considered the most wanted communist rebel in the Visayas with a bounty of P5.3 million.
Two other key NPA leaders were neutralized along with Bocala – Vivian Torato Teodosio and Vicente Hinojales.
Soldiers also captured 30 firearms from the NPA during the period.