• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) honored soldiers of the 79th Infantry Battalion for the neutralization of elusive rebel leader Rogelio Fabillar, whose armed group was responsible for the deaths of at least 40 civilians in northern Negros, accused of being military informants.
Fabillar, alias “Jhong,” was among the 19 suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels killed during a series of encounters on April 19 in Toboso, Negros Occidental. He carried a P2‑million bounty for his arrest.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. led the awarding of the Gold Cross and Distinguished Conduct Star to 79IB soldiers following the successful neutralization of armed insurgents in Toboso and the recovery of 24 high‑powered firearms. The ceremony was held at Camp Lapu‑Lapu in Cebu City.
Brawner emphasized that the success of the operation reflects the AFP’s sustained efforts to ensure peace and security while upholding the highest standards of discipline and respect for human rights.
The AFP also welcomed any investigation into the deaths of the 19 rebels in Barangay Salamanca, Toboso, maintaining that it was a lawful, intelligence‑driven combat operation against armed NPA elements.
The Commission on Human Rights in the Negros Island Region has already begun its probe into the incident. | GB
