NEUTRALIZED. The three top leaders of the communist group killed in a series of encounters in the mountainous villages of Iloilo on Aug. 15, 2024 and last week. With their deaths, the Philippine Army expects a snowballing of surrenderees in the next few days.( Photo courtesy of 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs Office)
MANILA – The Philippine Army (PA) on Monday said the series of clashes in Lambunao, Iloilo last week that led to the deaths of two ranking communist leaders and the recovery of the body of another one showed the duplicity of these individuals masquerading as National Democratic Front (NDF) consultants.
In a statement, PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said these neutralized insurgent leaders are not consultants but active participants of "communist terrorism" in the conflict-affected and geographically isolated areas of the country.
Dema-ala added these illegal actions have brought nothing but suffering and fear to the people.
"The 301st Infantry Brigade troopers’ dedication to attain peace and progress in their area of responsibility is truly commendable. The continuous neutralization of CTGs and capture of war materiel, the local government units’ proactive delivery of basic and social services, and the community's participation in tracking these terrorists are testament to the people’s clamor for genuine peace and development in Panay," he added.
On Aug. 16, the 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs Office (3DPAO) identified the slain rebels as Vicente Hinojales, regional secretary of Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay (KR-P) and known by the aliases Arjie, Hadjie, Mandi and LJ; Maria Concepcion Araneta Bocala, 1st deputy secretary, KR-P, also known as Concha; and Vivian Torato Teodosio, secretary of the central front, KR-Panay with aliases Minerva/Mara/Moray.
Dema-ala also called on all Filipinos to unite and put an end to the decades-long communist terrorism that obstructed progress and brought senseless deaths to those who fell prey to their deceptive recruitment. (PNA)
