BACOLOD CITY – A total of seven New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in a series of encounters with the military in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on Sunday, April 27.
READ: https://mb.com.ph/2025/4/27/5-npa-rebels-slain-in-kabankalan-clashes
Col. Erwin Rommel Lamzon, spokesperson for the 3rd Infantry Division, said that a high-ranking couple was among the fatalities – four women and three men. They were remnants of the dismantled South West Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor (SWF (D), KR-NCBS).

NEW People's Army guns and items recovered by troops in Kabankalan City. (Military photo)
The Army identified the couple as Reniel Locsin Cellon, alias Kumpol and Adie, squad leader and former commanding officer, and wife Mary Jane Maguilat, alias Shonie, Chinchin, and Shedi, vice squad leader.
The other fatalities were Jhon Isidor Supelanas, alias Dalia, and Jhonrey Mejares, alias Jai and JR, political instructors and political guide; alias Pitong and Glendel Tinio Mejares, alias Ayin, both medics, and Charity Amacan, alias Cha and Leah, squad leader and former secretary.
Lamzon said that their bodies were taken to a funeral parlor and the encounter site has been cleared.
Pursuit operation is ongoing against fleeing rebels.
Major Gen. Michael Samson, 3rd ID commander, said that the operation served as a wake-up call to those who still support or want to join the NPA.
Samson vowed that they will relentlessly pursue and neutralize all armed rebels wherever they hide. “We will not stop,” he said.
He urged the remaining NPAs to abandon the armed struggle and take the path towards peace.
“The door to peace remains open—surrender now while you still have the chance,” he said.