142 suspected NPA rebels including 12 top leaders neutralized in 2021 —Army 3ID

The 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division (3ID) of the Philippine Army on Wednesday reported that it has neutralized 142 suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) including 12 top leaders in 2021.

In a statement, the military said 71 of them surrendered, 49 died in encounters, 14 were apprehended, and eight were captured.

According to 3ID Public Affairs Office chief Captain Kim Apitong, the “apprehended” rebels were nabbed during checkpoints or events without warrant of arrest, while those “captured” were nabbed during or after combat operations.

The military said among the alleged high-ranking NPA leaders who were killed are:

• Reynaldo Bocala alias Russ/Bading, chief, Regional Finance Bureau of Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay;
• Karima Lorena Tariman alias Ella/Emem, secretary, Northern Negros Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor (NNF, KR-NCBS);
• Marilyn Badayos alias Monet, finance officer, NNF, KR-NCBS; and
• Joven Ceralvo alias Lex, commanding officer, Front Operational Command and Deputy Secretary of Southern Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay

Major General Benedict Arevalo, 3ID commander, attributed the accomplishments to the vigilance and cooperation of the people in Western and Central Visayas, as well as the collaboration with the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

He commended the 3ID soldiers for their efforts in fighting against the communist rebels.

"The government is always open to those rebels who would want to go back to the folds of the law. We urge the [NPA members] to lay down their arms while they still have time,” he said. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News