• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, through its infantry brigades and battalions, reported significant accomplishments in its efforts to establish a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) in Western Visayas within a period of one month.
From July 29 to Aug. 31, when the first encounter of the month erupted in Barangay Basak, Cauayan, Negros Occidental, the 3ID initiated a total of 14 encounters, four of which were considered major engagements, according to its spokesman, Lt. Col. Jay Javines.
These operations resulted in the neutralization of 19 members of the New People’s Army, including top leaders in the Western Visayas region, and the seizure of 30 firearms.
Of the 19 killed rebels, 13 were from Panay Island, and six were from Negros Island.
Notably, these operations led to the deaths of Maria Concepcion Araneta Bocala, alias Concha, the 1st Deputy Secretary of Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay (KR-P); Vivian Torato Teodosio, alias Minerva, Secretary of the weakened Central Front, KR-P; and Vicente Hinojales, alias Arjie, Hadjie, Mandie, and LJ, the Regional Secretary of KR-P.
Bocala and Teodosio were killed in an encounter with troops of the 82nd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Cabatangan, Lambunao, Iloilo, on Aug. 15.
Meanwhile, the body of Hinojales was discovered in the same barangay.
In addition to these three top rebel leaders, other key figures of KR-P, including Aurelio Bosque, alias Burnok, former spokesperson of Bayan-Panay; Armando Sabares, alias Kamlon, Regional Ordnance Officer; and Romulo Gangoso, alias Reagan, former Commanding Officer of the dismantled Eastern Front, were also killed in a series of encounters.
The armed clashes between the rebel group and the combined forces of the 12th and 82nd Infantry Battalions took place in Barangay Aglonok, Calinog, Iloilo, on Aug. 8.
Javines said the 3ID leadership lauded the efforts of all its infantry units in achieving these milestones, which serve as hallmarks of their exceptional skills and determination to establish a SIPS zone in Western Visayas.
“When the loudest clarion call sounds, we rise above any situation and deliver the best results, no matter the circumstances. The quality of our work remains consistent and unprecedented, leading to victories one after another. May these accomplishments be a stepping stone to even greater success, and hopefully, we will attain our campaign targets in the coming months,” Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, 3ID commander, said in a statement. | GB
