• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The long arm of the law has finally caught up with a leader of a New People’s Army, who was allegedly involved in the death of Negrense soldier, PFC Rodelo Alfanza, following an encounter in Tubongan, Iloilo.
Lt. Col. J Jay Javines, 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson, yesterday said that Nahum Camariosa, alias Rodel and Bebong, a squad leader of the dismantled Southern Panay Front, and an alias Jun Jun, a member of the Regional Sentro De Grabidad Platoon, died in two encounters on Tuesday, at the boundary of barangays Bucari and Cawilihan in Leon town of Iloilo.
Javines said that 61st Infantry Battalion soldiers, who engaged the group of estimated 20 rebels led by Camariosa, also recovered three M16 assault rifles, an M14 rifle and AK 47 automatic rifle, assorted ammunition and an improvised anti personnel mine at the encounter site.
The slain rebel leader, according to Javines, is among the top wanted NPA leaders in Western Visayas, facing a string of criminal cases, including multiple murder, frustrated murder, robbery in band with frustrated homicide and damage to property, and robbery with serious physical injuries.
Camariosa has a bounty of P150,000 on his head, the Army regional spokesperson said.
The rebel unit commanded by Camariosa was also involved in a series of encounters with 61IB in San Joaquin and Tubungan towns in the first three months of 2024, which resulted in the death of his daughter, Rena Rhea and three others, according to the 3ID.
In a statement, Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, 3ID commander, lauded the 61IB troops and the local populace for their collaborative efforts that resulted in the neutralization of Camariosa and his comrade and the recovery of several high-powered firearms.*
