By Jennifer P. Rendon
Two suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in a series of armed engagements with the Philippine Army in Leon, Iloilo, on the morning of May 2, military officials reported.
Brigadier General Michael Samson, commander of the Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade, stated that the identities of the two deceased males are pending.
The clashes occurred in a forested area of Barangay Cawilihan, where troops from the 61st Infantry Battalion recovered five high-powered firearms and an anti-personnel mine.
Lieutenant Colonel Arturo Balgos Jr., commander of the 61st IB, detailed the events, noting that the initial clash took place at around 7:30 a.m. This was followed by subsequent exchanges of fire at approximately 9 a.m. and another an hour later.
The encounter occurred near Barangay Bucari, often referred to as the “summer capital of Iloilo,” marking a continued effort by the military to suppress NPA activities in the region.
Balgos explained that the troops engaged with about 30 NPA members from the Regional Sentro De Grabidad (RSDG) of the NPA’s Komiteng-Rehiyon Panay and remnants of the dismantled NPA’s Southern Front.
General Samson elaborated that the KR-P leadership has been compelled to reinforce its dwindling numbers in Southern Panay with additional forces due to significant losses in membership.
“Almost all of the NPA members there have been depleted, prompting the deployment of additional forces from other areas of the region,” Samson said.
The recent clashes are part of ongoing military operations targeting NPA groups, with movements being tracked in San Joaquin and Miag-ao in Iloilo, as well as parts of Antique like Sibalom.
The Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 has cautioned its units to remain vigilant against the NPA’s “Bait and Catch” tactics and to coordinate with military units for possible reinforcement if needed.
