Binalbagan: The Philippine Army on Monday pledged to maintain focused operations after thwarting attempts by remnants of the New People's Army (NPA) to incite violence and neutralizing a rebel leader in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental last week.
According to Philippines News Agency, Reynaldo "Amik" Erecre, who served as the secretary of Komiteng Rehiyon (KR)-Negros, was killed during a confrontation with the 94th Infantry Battalion (94IB) in Sitio Apitong, Barangay Biao, on the afternoon of January 30. Earlier in the day, Erecre's associate, Regie "Dante" Pacheco, was also killed in a separate gunfight in Sitio Hacienda Dama.
In a statement, Brig. Gen. Ted Dumosmog, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade based in Murcia, Negros Occidental, commended the 94IB for the successful operation, emphasizing the vital role played by community cooperation. "We will continue focused operations strengthened by civilian support to preserve peace and progress for every Negrense," he stated.
Military reports revealed that remnants of the NPA Central Negros 2 and Regional Strike Force had planned to destroy heavy equipment used in ongoing infrastructure projects in Barangay Biao. "Timely information from residents enabled swift action to prevent sabotage of government projects," Dumosmog noted.
Lt. Col. Ziegfred Tayaban, commanding officer of the 94IB, highlighted that Erecre's death creates a "leadership vacuum" for the NPA in Negros Island. "Considering that he is the regional secretary of KR-Negros, the loss will affect the leadership. It will have an effect on their plans to commit atrocities," he explained.
Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, reiterated his call for peace, healing, and reconciliation. "We call on the remnants of the communist-terrorist group to abandon their terroristic way of life and return to the fold of the law," he urged. Samson also mentioned that those who choose to leave the armed struggle can benefit from the government's reintegration programs, such as the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program and the grant of amnesty.
