By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – The Army’s 15th Infantry Battalion (IB) neutralized a suspected New People’s Army (NPA) member during its first encounter of the year in Sitio Cambogui-ot, Barangay Camindangan, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental, last Friday.
Lt. Col. J-jay Javines, spokesperson for the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (ID), identified the casualty as Rodene Lumanog, alias “Wanny,” 54, a resident of Sitio Omas, Barangay Camindangan.
The military engaged in a 25-minute firefight at around 7:35 a.m. with alleged remnants of the dismantled Southwest Front, Komiteng Rehiyon–Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor (SWF (D), KR-NCBS), during strike operations.
Recovered from the encounter site were an M14 rifle, a magazine with 20 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, two hand grenades, medical supplies, subversive documents, and other valuables.
Lt. Col. Brian Bagaipo, 15th IB commander, stated that the successful operation and the recovery of vital materials underscored the battalion’s commitment to eliminating insurgency and securing the region’s stability.
“This mission reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting the communities we serve,” Bagaipo said in a statement.
He highlighted the battalion’s strategic precision and operational readiness, which prevented the potential regrouping of enemy forces.
“The quick and accurate response of our troops, combined with the vigilance of the community, significantly hindered the NPA’s operations in the area,” he added, stressing that “security is a shared responsibility.”
No casualties were reported on the government side, and additional units have been placed on high alert to deter potential retaliatory attacks.
Major Gen. Marion Sison, 3ID commander, praised the battalion’s successful operation and urged remaining NPA members to abandon their armed struggle and pursue peace.
“There is still time to choose a different path,” Sison said, warning that military forces remain committed to pursuing those who threaten the stability and security of Negros Island.
The Army’s 15th IB continues to collaborate with local communities to safeguard peace and stability in the region.
