The Philippine Army has linked the New People’s Army group involved in the Tanjay–Bayawan encounter to the killing of a 74-year-old woman in Kabankalan City as it continues tactical offensives against communist remnants in Negros Island.
Brig. Gen. Jason Jumawan, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade, said the armed group engaged by the 11th Infantry Battalion in Brgy. Sto. Niño, Tanjay City on Sunday, Feb. 15, is suspected to be behind the Kabankalan shooting incident.
The encounter resulted in the death of Cpl Reynold Gardoce, 29, a resident of Tapaz, Capiz, and squad leader of Alpha Company, while another soldier, PFC Janes Tyrone Lozano of Bohol, was wounded.
Jumawan said a series of four firefights erupted starting at around 5:30 a.m. Sunday, lasting up to mid-morning, as troops responded to reports of armed men conducting house-to-house visits and nighttime gatherings in upland communities.
The Army said the activities were part of an alleged attempt by the NPA to rebuild its mass base following the dismantling of its guerrilla fronts in Negros Oriental.
Clearing operations after the clash led to the discovery of a makeshift rebel shelter and the recovery of two hand grenades, assorted firearm magazines, ammunition, subversive documents, and personal belongings.
Jumawan said the group involved is linked to the dismantled South East Front, with only four remaining armed members believed to be operating alongside remnants of the South Western Front in central Negros.
Bayawan City police supported the military operation by establishing checkpoints and conducting patrols in public and private hospitals to check for possible wounded rebels seeking medical attention.
The Army said relentless internal security operations have prevented the regrouping of armed remnants and vowed to sustain pressure to deny them mobility, influence, and the ability to intimidate communities.
Jumawan reiterated that the Philippine Army will continue security operations in Negros Oriental despite the reduced number of insurgents, following directives to maintain both internal security and territorial defense operations.
Military pursuit operations against the fleeing armed group is ongoing.*
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