By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY— The Philippine Army identified two casualties in a recent clash in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, as an alleged high-ranking officer of the New People’s Army (NPA) and his wife, according to Lieutenant Colonel J-jay Javines, head of the Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (ID).
On Friday, the 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) confirmed that the slain rebels were Joan Lacio Encancion, alias “Mark” or “Covid,” who was reportedly the vice commanding officer of the Sentro de Grabidad (SDG) platoon, and his wife, Jolina Martinez Sergio, alias “Chloe,” an alleged political instructor of the same platoon.
The military engaged the couple during patrol operations on Thursday morning in response to reports of armed individuals in Sitio Pisok, Barangay Buenavista.
The encounter involved at least five remnants of the dismantled Central Negros Front 2, Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor (CN2, KR–NCBS), resulting in the deaths of Encancion and Sergio.
Recovered from the site were an assault rifle, a 5.56mm M16, a 7.62mm M14 rifle, three magazines for M14 and M16, 20 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, seven rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a bandolier, and a backpack.
According to the Army, the couple was wanted for multiple crimes, including attempted murder and homicide.
The military has coordinated with local government officials to ensure the proper burial of the bodies, and their families will receive the necessary support.
In a statement, Major General Marion Sison, 3ID commander, said the deaths of these NPA remnants serve as a stern warning to the remaining rebels in Negros that continuing the armed struggle will only lead to death.
“Our troops are relentlessly pursuing those who continue threatening and harming the communities, and they will not stop until the last standing NPAs are rendered irrelevant,” Sison stated.
He urged the remaining NPA rebels to surrender and return to the folds of the law, assuring them of fair treatment and support from the government.
Sison emphasized that the government is ready to assist them in rebuilding their lives through various programs and initiatives aimed at their reintegration.
Lieutenant Colonel Ziegfred Tayaban, 94th IB commander, noted that this successful operation underscores the unit’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the peace and security of local communities.
“With the support of residents and local officials, the military remains vigilant and committed to eliminating the threats posed by these armed groups, ensuring that civilians can live without fear of violence and extortion,” he added.
