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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Comelec: NPA unlikely to disrupt Negros Island Region polls

Comelec: NPA unlikely to disrupt Negros Island Region polls

Published Apr 30, 2025 02:30 pm

BACOLOD CITY – The Commission on Elections (Comelec)-Negros Island Region (NIR) assured the public that the New People’s Army (NPA) is unlikely to disrupt the elections on May 12.

SUPELANAS.jpeg

A candle-lighting ceremony was held at the University of the Philippines (UP)-Cebu on Tuesday, April 29, in honor of alumni Jhon Isidor Supelanas, one of the seven fatalities in a series of clashes between the military and New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on April 27. (Screengrab via Lanog video/FB)

Comelec-NIR Regional Director Lionel Marco Castillano said that the recent military operations in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental helped ease tensions in the region.

No polling center was affected in the area.

“It’s a good thing the incident happened before the elections. At least, the situation was minimized early, and the attention problem in the Candoni, Hinoba-an, Ilog, Cauayan, Kabankalan, and Sipalay (CHICKS) area—especially in Candoni—has become negligible now,” he added.

Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said the province remains free of election-related violence and efforts are underway to maintain peace through Election Day.

He reiterated the government’s openness to accepting those willing to return to the fold.

Lacson added that preparations for May 12 are ongoing across local government units (LGUs), with local leaders actively engaging communities.

The series of encounters neutralized seven remnants of the dismantled South West Front (SWF), including a high-ranking couple in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City.

A candle-lighting ceremony was held at University of the Philippines (UP)-Cebu on Tuesday to honor Jhon Isidor Supelanas, also known as Dee or Dalia, one of the fatalities in the encounter.

Supelanas, a former communications student at UP-Cebu and alleged NPA political instructor, was remembered by peers, friends, and activist groups who called for an independent investigation into the incident.

The Apolinario Gatmaitan Command of the NPA condemned the operation as an overkill due to the large number of military personnel involved.

The Army maintained that the operation was legitimate and conducted with respect for human rights.

The Army 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) has turned over the remains of another alleged rebel, Charity Amacan, to her family in Escalante City, Negros Occidental.

Brig. Gen. Joey Escanillas, commander of 302nd Infantry Brigade (IBde), praised the troops for their bravery and professionalism, stating that the successful mission helped protect the local population.

He credited community cooperation as a key factor in the operation’s success.

Related Tags

New People's Army 2025 elections Matalinong boto 2025 COMELEC Negros Island Region
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