Three remnants of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) were killed in an encounter with government forces early Saturday, March 21, 2026, in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental. The operation resulted in the seizure of five high-powered firearms and dealt a significant blow to insurgent activities in the Negros Island Region.
The firefight occurred at approximately 4:00 a.m. at Sitio Santol, Barangay Tampalon, when troops from the Army's 47th Infantry Battalion engaged combined elements of the dismantled South West Front and the Regional Strike Force of Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros. The two-minute encounter left three communist rebels dead with no casualties reported on the government side.
Seized Weapons and Recovered Materials
Military forces recovered substantial weapons and materials from the encounter site following the brief but intense firefight. The seized items included one R4 rifle, two M16 rifles, and two M203 grenade launchers, highlighting the significant firepower the insurgent group possessed.
According to military reports, troops also confiscated one hand grenade and various subversive documents from the area. The recovery of these materials provided intelligence value for ongoing anti-insurgency operations in the region.
The bodies of the three slain rebels were recovered at the encounter site for proper processing and identification by authorities.
Identified Casualties Linked to Regional Violence
The three fatalities were identified as Milky alias "Gorting" Sampini, Ritchie alias "Makoy"/"Akiro" Verano, and Joedil alias "Junjun"/"Cairo" Balsimo. Military sources indicated these individuals were connected to various violent incidents across Negros Island, including targeted killings and arson activities.
Among the specific cases attributed to the neutralized rebels were the deaths of 74-year-old Leonora N. Anguit and 39-year-old Renante Vedarte y Guadalupe, both residents of Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City. These killings had terrorized local communities and highlighted the ongoing security threats posed by CTG remnants in the area.
The military characterized the operation as delivering justice for victims and their families, providing a measure of closure to communities affected by insurgent violence. The neutralization of these particular individuals was seen as addressing specific grievances related to their alleged criminal activities.
Community Intelligence Proves Crucial
The successful military operation was made possible through timely reports from local residents who provided information about armed CTG presence in their area. This community cooperation exemplified the growing trust between civilian populations and government forces in anti-insurgency efforts.
Military leaders emphasized that the vigilance and cooperation of the local populace greatly contributed to the successful neutralization of the three CTG remnants and the recovery of their substantial weapons cache. This collaboration represents a significant shift in community attitudes toward supporting government security operations.
The operation was part of routine security activities conducted by the 47th Infantry Battalion in response to intelligence reports about insurgent movements in the Kabankalan City area.
Army Division Commander Emphasizes Sustained Campaign
Major General Michael G. Samson, Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, commended the successful operations of the 47th Infantry Battalion under the 302nd Infantry Brigade. He praised both the tactical execution of the mission and the community support that made the operation possible.
"This operation is part of the government's sustained anti-insurgency campaign to eradicate the remaining communist-terrorist elements in the Negros Island Region," Major General Samson stated. "We remain steadfast and relentless in our efforts; hence, we are giving them no chance to resurge and endanger our communities."
The division commander underscored the importance of continued unity between military forces and civilian communities in achieving lasting peace throughout the region. This partnership approach has become central to the military's strategy for addressing residual insurgent threats.
Surrender Appeal Coupled with Integration Programs
Major General Samson issued a direct appeal to remaining CTG members, urging them to abandon armed struggle and return to mainstream society. He warned that continued resistance would likely result in the same fate as their neutralized comrades.
"We call on the remaining members of the CTG to abandon the armed struggle and return to mainstream society to avoid suffering the same misfortune as their comrades," the general stated. "Lay down your arms, come down, and embrace peace."
The military leader highlighted available government programs designed to facilitate the reintegration of former rebels into civilian life. These initiatives include the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and the Amnesty Program, both designed to provide support for individuals seeking to leave insurgent groups.
"The government, through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and Amnesty Program, is ready to help you start anew," Major General Samson added. "This is the path toward healing, reconciliation, and building a better future for yourselves and your families."
Regional Security Implications
The successful operation represents a continuing degradation of CTG capabilities in the Negros Island Region, where military forces have conducted sustained campaigns against insurgent remnants. The neutralization of key figures responsible for specific violent incidents demonstrates the military's ability to target individuals connected to particular crimes.
Security analysts view the operation as part of broader efforts to eliminate remaining pockets of communist insurgent activity throughout the Philippines. The Negros Island Region has been a focus of intensive military operations aimed at dismantling organized rebel structures.
The recovery of substantial weapons caches prevents these materials from being used in future attacks against government forces or civilian targets. The seizure of subversive documents also provides intelligence opportunities for identifying other insurgent networks and planned activities.
Community support for military operations indicates shifting public sentiment away from insurgent groups and toward government security forces, a development crucial for long-term stability in affected areas.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army