Three Alleged NPA Members Killed in Negros Occidental Encounter
Three alleged members of the New People's Army (NPA), linked to the summary executions of civilians in Negros Occidental, were killed in an encounter with the Philippine Army's 47th Infantry Battalion. The incident occurred on March 21, 2026, in Sitio Santol, Barangay Tampalon, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.
Fatalities and Military Response
The fatalities were identified as Milky alias "Gorting" Sampini, Ritchie alias "Makoy"/"Akiro" Verano, and Joedil alias "Junjun"/"Cairo" Balsimo. The leadership of the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) commended the successful operations of the 47IB, under the 302nd Infantry Brigade, and praised the vigilance and cooperation of the local populace. Timely reports from residents greatly contributed to the neutralization of these Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) remnants and the recovery of their firearms.
Details of the Operation
Major General Michael Samson, commander of the Army's 3rd ID, stated that the three CTG remnants were linked to various atrocities in the Negros Island Region. Operating troops were conducting security operations in response to reports of armed CTG presence when they engaged the remnants of combined elements of the Dismantled South West Front (D) and the Regional Strike Force (D), Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, around 4 a.m. in Sitio Santol, Barangay Tampalon, Kabankalan City.
The firefight, which lasted for two minutes, resulted in the death of the three CTG remnants. Their bodies were recovered at the encounter site. Operatives recovered from the area one R4 rifle, two M16 rifles, two M203 grenade launchers, one hand grenade, and various subversive documents. No casualties were reported on the government side.
Background and Justice Served
The three CNTs, who were neutralized in the encounter, were responsible for a series of violent incidents across Negros Island, including killings and arson activities. Among the cases attributed to the group were the deaths of 74-year-old Leonora Anguit and 39-year-old Renante Vedarte, both residents of Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City.
Samson said with their neutralization, justice has been served for the victims and their families, bringing a measure of closure to the affected communities. "This operation is part of the government’s sustained anti-insurgency campaign to eradicate the remaining communist-terrorist elements in the Negros Island Region. We remain steadfast and relentless in our efforts, hence, we are giving them no chance to resurge and endanger our communities," Samson emphasized.
Call for Peace and Government Support
Samson highlighted the importance of continued unity between the military and the people in securing lasting peace. "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 urged.
He added that the government, through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip) and Amnesty Program, is ready to help them start anew. "This is the path toward healing, reconciliation, and building a better future for yourselves and your families," Samson concluded, underscoring the commitment to peace and stability in the region.
