By Jennifer P. Rendon
The Philippine Army has declared that the New People’s Army’s (NPA) efforts to regain control of Southern Panay are doomed to fail due to significant setbacks inflicted by government forces.
Brigadier General Michael Samson, commander of the Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade, said on Sunday, “We consider the NPA’s Southern Front as already dismantled due to several setbacks inflicted by our government forces.”
The latest encounter on May 2 at Barangay Cawilihan, Leon, has further weakened the Southern Front.
“But we are not yet complacent because of the presence of the NPA’s Regional Sentro de Gravidad,” Samson added, ensuring continued internal security operations in the area.
He explained that last week’s clash involved mostly members of the Regional Sentro de Gravidad (RSDG) sent by the Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay (KR-P) in an attempt to recover the Southern Panay area.
“But again, they failed as our troops sustain the momentum through our successful military operations,” Samson said.
The May 2 clash resulted in the death of a high-ranking NPA leader and another member of the rebel group.
Following the clash, the 61st Infantry Battalion provided transportation and personnel assistance to process the documents related to the deaths of Nahum Camariosa, alias Bebong, and Ricardo Costas Jr., alias Cedrick.
The 3rd Infantry Division stated that the assistance is part of the effort by the 61st IB to ensure that the deceased receive a proper burial.
“By offering support to the families during this difficult time, the 61st IB also aims to alleviate their burden and provide relief in the face of bereavement,” the division said.
Camariosa, a resident of Barangay Manampunay, Leon, was the Southern Front’s Puregold Platoon leader. He was facing a string of criminal cases, including multiple murder and robbery.
A bounty of P150,000 had been offered for his arrest. His daughter, Rena Rhea Camariosa, alias Kira, was also killed in an encounter earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Major General Marion Sison, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, extended his deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased NPAs.
“We hope that they find solace and peace during this challenging moment,” he said.
Sison emphasized that the incident should serve as a stern warning and compelling reason for the remaining NPAs to lay down their arms and embrace peace, to avoid a similar fate.
