In a decisive early morning operation, three remnants of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) were killed during a firefight with government forces in Negros Occidental. The encounter occurred at 4 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026, in Sitio Santol, Barangay Tampalon, Kabankalan City.
Military Operation Details
Major General Michael Samson, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), confirmed that troops from the 47th Infantry Battalion (47IB) under the 302nd Infantry Brigade (302Bde) conducted security operations following intelligence reports of armed CTG presence in the area. "This operation is part of the government's sustained anti-insurgency campaign to eradicate the remaining communist-terrorist elements in the Negros Island Region," Samson stated. "We are giving them no chance to resurge and endanger our communities."
Clash and Recoveries
The brief clash, which lasted only two minutes, involved remnants of the dismantled South West Front and the Regional Strike Force under Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros. Following the engagement, soldiers recovered significant weaponry and materials from the scene, including:
- One R4 rifle
- Two M16 rifles
- Two M203 grenade launchers
- One hand grenade
- Various documents
Notably, no casualties were reported among government forces during the operation.
Identities and Past Activities
Military authorities identified the three fatalities as Milky "Gorting" Sampini, Ritchie "Makoy" Verano, and Joedil "Junjun" Balsimo. The 3ID linked this group to multiple violent incidents across Negros Island, including killings and arson attacks. Specific incidents attributed to them include the deaths of Leonora N. Anguit, 74, and Renante Vedarte y Guadalupe, 39, both residents of Barangay Tapi in Kabankalan City.
Justice and Community Cooperation
The military division emphasized that the neutralization of these CTG remnants brings justice to victims and their families. They commended the troops of the 47IB and highlighted the crucial role of community cooperation in providing actionable intelligence that led to the successful encounter. "Collaboration between the military and civilians remains vital in addressing insurgency threats," Samson added.
Call for Surrender and Government Programs
Major General Samson issued a direct appeal to remaining CTG members: "We call on the remaining members of the CTG to abandon the armed struggle and return to mainstream society to avoid suffering the same misfortune as their comrades. Lay down your arms, come down, and embrace peace." He noted that the National Government stands ready to assist through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip) and Amnesty Program to help former rebels start anew.
Continued Security Operations
The Philippine Army continues to conduct security operations throughout the Negros Island Region with the dual objectives of dismantling insurgent groups and preventing their resurgence. This latest operation underscores the military's ongoing commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region against persistent threats.
