• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
Four remnants of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), including one official, were killed in three separate encounters with the Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion (94IB) in Barangay Bi-ao, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, and with the 47th Infantry Battalion (47IB) in Barangay Sandayao and Barangay Binobohan, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.
Authorities reported that the first encounter happened around 2:50 a.m. on Friday in Sitio Hacienda Dama after reports that at least five armed CTG members were in the area.
The soldiers engaged them in a ten-minute gunfight, resulting in the death of one CTG member, identified by a former comrade as alias Dante. An M16 rifle was recovered from the body.
Later that day, at about 4:00 p.m., troops encountered the same group in Sitio Apitong, Barangay Bi-ao. Another five-minute firefight led to the death of Reynaldo Erecre, known as Amik, who was the secretary of the Negros Regional Committee. Troops also found a .45 caliber pistol, its magazine, and ammunition.
Based on the statement of the Philippine Army, the rebels sought to burn heavy equipment being used for ongoing development works, but the swift and decisive action of the troops prevented the destruction through timely information from residents.
“The encounter thwarted an attempt to sabotage government infrastructure projects in Barangay Bi-ao,” it said.
In response, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson urged rebels to lay down their arms and engage with authorities for a sustainable resolution to the province’s long-running insurgency problem.
“It’s an ongoing battle between the government and our rebel brothers and sisters. We understand that this situation causes fear and disruption for our people, which is why we are more determined than ever to call on them to come forward. The government stands ready to assist them so they can rebuild their lives and live in peace,” Lacson said.
On the following day, two additional members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in an armed clash with the 47th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Sandayao and Barangay Binobohan, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.
The encounter was triggered by reports from concerned citizens on the presence of rebels in the area.
As a result, two NPA members, identified as part of the Central Negros 1 (CN1) group, were neutralized. Authorities recovered from the scene an M16 rifle, four long magazines for 5.56 mm, a .45 caliber pistol, a hand grenade, and various subversive documents.
Residents disclosed that they decided to report the NPA’s presence due to their continued frustration over extortion and intimidation activities in their communities. This cooperation highlights the growing public rejection of communist terrorist group (CTG) activities and reflects the people’s desire for peace, security, and unhampered development.
The leadership of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division commended the troops and the local communities for their cooperation, which led to the neutralization of four CTG remnants and the capture of high- and low-powered firearms.
“We call on the remaining remnants of the CTG to finally abandon their terroristic way of life and return to the folds of the law. Begin a new chapter in life by availing of the government’s reintegration programs such as E-CLIP and amnesty. Through these initiatives, you can avoid misfortune and death, reconcile with your families, and experience full healing within the community that has always cared for you,” Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, commander, 3ID, said in a statement.*
