BACOLOD CITY – The Army 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) is continuing the manhunt against fewer than 10 remaining members of the dismantled Northern Negros Front (NNF-D) in Negros Occidental, including a fugitive rebel.

Speaking during the launch of S.A.F.E. Negros Island Region (NIR) 911 in this city on Thursday, June 4, Lt. Col. Eric Alfonso, 79th IB commander, said that they are pursuing alias Kier, a known associate of rebel leader Roger Fabillar Tapang, who was killed during an encounter in Toboso, Negros Occidental on April 19.

Alfonso said that Kier is not considered a new leader, noting that he was already a fugitive before joining the armed movement. He added that Kier is allegedly linked to several crimes, including acts of lasciviousness, murder, and carnapping.

The Army commander identified Kier’s group as the one involved in a clash with soldiers in Barangay Tamlang, Escalante City, Negros Occidental on June 1, where a soldier was killed.

“Tinutugis pa rin natin ngayon (We are tracking them down),” Alfonso said.

Alfonso said Kier and Tapang were reportedly involved in the killing of Kier’s brother in Victorias City, Negros Occidental in April last year.

While authorities have not confirmed if Kier has taken over Tapang’s role, Alfonso said remnants of the NNF-D remain active, although their numbers were significantly reduced following the Toboso encounter where 19 individuals were killed.

Despite the remaining threat, Alfonso assured residents of northern Negros Occidental that military operations would continue to safeguard communities while encouraging remaining rebels to surrender and avail themselves of government reintegration programs.

Meanwhile, the remains of Private First Class John Rey Brasil, who was killed in the Escalante encounter, were transferred to his wife’s hometown in Murcia, Negros Occidental on Thursday, a day after a wake was held in Sagay City, Negros Occidental.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who visited Brasil's wake on Wednesday, June 3, warned that those responsible behind the soldier’s death will be held accountable.

Brasil, 29, was leading troops during a military operation in Escalante City when he sustained a fatal bullet injury to the head.

Alfonso noted that Brasil was not a part of frontline forces during the Toboso encounter as he was assigned to security and community support programs.

The soldier’s family has yet to decide if his remains will be brought to his hometown in Guimbal, Iloilo although Alfonso said he will be buried in Murcia.