A suspected high-ranking female leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) was captured in an encounter with government troopers in Calatrava, Negros Occidental, on Wednesday, July 6.
The troops of 79th Infantry “Masaligan” Battalion received a tip from residents of armed persons in the area and immediately responded.
The 10-minute encounter resulted in the arrest of Isabelle Necesario, alias Maoline/Nads/Diane/Idel. She was said to be the deputy secretary of North Negros Front (NNF).
Recovered from the encounter site were two rifle grenades, two .38 caliber revolvers with seven live ammunition, a .45 caliber pistol with five live ammunition, five flash drives, eight cellphones, three pocket WiFis, subversive documents, medical supplies, three bags containing personal belongings and P3,740 cash.
Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division commander, said he is happy with the accomplishment of their troops, which is vital in their campaign to end the local communist armed conflict in the region.
Arevalo also cited the vigilance and cooperation of the local populace that led to the capture of the high ranking leader.
IDENTIFIED
Meanwhile, the four NPA members who were killed in the encounter with the 94th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Amilis, Barangay Santol, Binalbagan, on Wednesday, July 6, have been identified.
They are Roel Sagon, alias “Berio,” squad leader of Squad 3 belonging to Central Negros 2 – Komiteng Rehiyon Negros (CN2-KRN), of Brgy Buenavista, Himamaylan City; Rowel Udtuhan, alias “Jing -jing/Caloy,” assistant squad leader of Squad 3, CN2-KRN, of Brgy San Antonio, Himamaylan City; Alden Rodriguez, 20, alias” Bigboy,” a member Squad 3, SDG, CN2, of Brgy. Bantolinao, Manjuyod, Negros Oriental; and Nika Ledesma, 20, alias “Sarah Jane/ Chai,” political guide from Squad 3, CN2-KRN, of Cebu City.*