NPA loses two ranking leaders in WV
After their apparent loses in its offensive fight, the New People’s Army (NPA) suffered another big blow after the neutralization of two of its leaders in Western Visayas.
One was neutralization through an arrest while the other one was killed during an encounter.
According to 3rd Infantry Division public information officer 1Lt. Mark Andrew Posadas, they arrested Cirila Estrada in Iloilo City while Reynaldo Vasquez alias Commander Bulag was slain after an armed clash at Manapla, Negros Occidental.
The Philippine Army, together with the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), arrested Estrada alias Cora, front secretary of the CPP-NPA’s Kilusang Rehiyon-Panay Southern front Committee operating in the hinterlands of Igbaras, Leon, San Joaquin, and Miagao towns in Iloilo province, at the corner of Iznart and De Leon streets, in downtown Iloilo City, where there was a buzz of people for the celebration of the Chinese New Year.
According to military information, the rebel leader had been hunted to face charges for Criminal Case 2627-TU for robbery in band with frustrated homicide and damage to property with the use of motor vehicle and unlicensed firearms 15th Municipal Circuit Trial Court, Guimbal, Iloilo (July 12, 2004); Criminal Case 5257-SR for multiple murder and frustrated murder before the 2nd Municipal circuit Trial Court in Sibalom, Antique (September 7,2004); and Criminal Case 1298-H for murder and Criminal Case 1299-H for robbery in band with physical injuries before the 1st Municipal Circuit Trial Court, Hamtic, Antique (April 16, 1990).
Posadas said that they have been conducting a one-week surveillance against Estrada following an information relayed to the 301st Infantry Brigade about her presence in Iloilo City.
“We could not say for now what was her intention for being in Iloilo City. We surmised that it may have something to do with the elections – they want to advance the campaign of groups or individuals associated with the movement,” he added.
Meanwhile, Negros Army personnel killed two NPA combatants following an encounter in Manapla, Negros Occidental.
Reports said that the Army troops were on their way to Hacienda Rosa in Brgy. San Pablo to verify the rebel sightings when encountered at least 15 armed rebels.
After several minutes of firefight, the rebels retreated leaving two slain comrades to include a woman and NPA leader identified as Reynaldo Vasquez alias Commander Bulag.
Posadas said that the military recovered documents indicating that the rebels hatched plans to attack a military detachment in the area.
Seized during the encounter were two M16 rifles and 6 loaded magazines and a rifle grenade.
Meanwhile, Posadas said that the recent events could hurt the NPA movement, which has been suffered enough due to its dwindling numbers.
“They also have difficulty in recruiting new NPA as well as a continuous exodus of their current members who either go AWOL or surrender in the hopes of availing the SIP. Their leaders, who are currently hiding here in the large urban centers, are running out of places to hide due to the vigilance of not only our soldiers and policemen, but more so of our fellow citizens who provide us the needed information for their capture,” he added.
