By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – Commission on Elections (Comelec)–Negros Island Region (NIR) Regional Director Lionel Marco Castillano said there is no threat from the New People’s Army (NPA) expected during the May 12 midterm elections.
Castillano said he was informed of the April 27 encounter in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, that killed seven remnants of the dismantled South West Front.
“It’s a good thing the incident happened before the elections,” Castillano said.
“At least the situation was minimized early, and the problem in the Candoni, Hinoba-an, Ilog, Cauayan, Kabankalan and Sipalay (CHICKS) area—especially in Candoni—has become negligible now.”
Castillano added that it was a positive outcome, as no voting center in the area was affected.
“As for the elections in the occidental side, people should now feel safer heading into election day,” he said.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said the military had hoped the group would surrender.
“But obviously, they chose to go head-on with the military,” he added.
“It’s very unfortunate on their part, but this is also a continuing call—if there are any left—to join the government, just like what the other rebels did.”
Lacson said there has been no election-related violence in the province so far and hopes that peace will hold through and after election day.
He added that various groups are currently preparing for May 12, ensuring coverage across local government units.
“They’re making sure their leaders are on the ground and in touch with the communities they represent,” Lacson said.
“We’ll probably hear more noise as the day approaches.”
Lacson said he understands that some influential religious groups have begun endorsing candidates.
“Many candidates, I believe, are also waiting to be called or endorsed,” he added.
“We’ll see how things develop. What’s most important is that we continue to keep things peaceful and orderly.”
Meanwhile, students, friends, batchmates and former council members held a candlelighting ceremony Tuesday to honor Jhon Isidor Supelanas, also known as “Dee” or “Dalia,” and the others killed in the Kabankalan encounter, dubbed “Kabankalan 7,” at the University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu.
Participants offered flowers, prayers, tributes and calls for justice for the seven fatalities.
According to the Army, Supelanas, a former communication student at UP Cebu, was a political instructor of the NPA.
His remains have been returned to his hometown in Balamban, Cebu.
In a Facebook post, Anakbayan Cebu remembered Supelanas’ activism.
“Dee, you too, are loved by the masses you served,” the group said.
“You are their cherished anak, kaupod, and soldier of the poor.”
The group also demanded a swift, independent and impartial investigation into what it called the “massacre” of the Kabankalan 7.
“We call for a full accounting of all violations and demand those responsible be held fully and criminally accountable for their crimes against the people,” the group said.
The Apolinario Gatmaitan Command of the NPA also released a statement honoring the bravery of the seven and calling the military operation an “overkill” due to the number of troops involved.
Separately, the Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) turned over the remains of Charity Amacan, also known as “Cha” or “Leah,” to her family in Barangay Malasibog, Escalante City.
She was one of the seven alleged rebels killed in the armed encounter in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City, following reports of unidentified persons occupying a farmhouse.
Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan of the 79th IB emphasized their commitment to human rights and the rules of armed conflict, even with former combatants.
“Our duty as soldiers extends beyond the battlefield,” he said.
“We are bound to respect human dignity, even in the face of conflict.”
“We hope that this simple act of compassion brings a measure of comfort to the family during this painful time,” he added.
The Army reported indicators that the NPA may attempt to impose “permit to campaign” or “permit to win” fees, as the group was reportedly seen near the area.
Brig. Gen. Joey Escanillas, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade, commended his troops for their professionalism and bravery in the Kabankalan operation.
“This operation was vital in safeguarding the local populace, and its success exemplifies their dedication and skill,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to the community for their cooperation, noting that public support was instrumental to the mission’s success.
