Three Alleged NPA Members Killed in Negros Occidental Clash with Philippine Army
A two-minute firefight between the Philippine Army and alleged members of the New People's Army (NPA) resulted in the deaths of three individuals in Negros Occidental. The encounter occurred on March 21, 2026, in Sitio Santol, Barangay Tampalon, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.
Identity of the Deceased
Among those killed was Ritchell Verano, also known as "Ka Makoy" or "Venom," a 26-year-old native of Carcar City, Cebu. Verano grew up in a poor community in Carcar before relocating to Barangay Trinidad, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, where he reportedly joined the Kabataang Makabayan group in 2015.
In 2017, he was reported to have become part of the Pulang Hukbo in Central Negros and was assigned to Southwest Negros in 2025. The two other individuals killed were identified as Milky Sampini, alias "Gorting," and Joedil Balsimo, alias "Junjun" or "Cairo."
Army Operation and Recovery
The 47th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army engaged Verano and his companions after receiving intelligence about the presence of an armed Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in the area. The brief exchange of gunfire led to the deaths of the three men, with no casualties reported on the government side.
Following the clash, soldiers recovered several weapons and subversive materials from the site. The seized items included:
- One R4 rifle
- Two M16 rifles
- Two M203 grenade launchers
- One hand grenade
- Various documents
Military Statement
Major General Michael Samson, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Army, stated that the deceased NPA members were involved in numerous violent incidents across Negros Island. These alleged activities included killings and arson attacks, contributing to ongoing security concerns in the region.
The operation underscores the Philippine Army's continued efforts to combat insurgent groups in Negros Occidental, a province that has seen periodic clashes between government forces and communist rebels. The recovery of firearms and documents is expected to aid in further investigations into the group's operations and networks.
