ROSARIO, Batangas – A 30-minute clash here between the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division and the Communist Terrorist Group on Tuesday (26 March 2024) resulted in the killing of a high-ranking leader of the New People’s Army (NPA), along with two others, the army reported.
The skirmish unfolded as troops from the 59th Infantry Battalion of the 201st Infantry Brigade, led by Brig. Gen. Erwin A. Alea, conducted a Focused Military Operation in Barangay Leviste in Rosario town.
They engaged with an unspecified number of armed individuals from the Sub-Regional Military Area 4C, led by Secretary Junalice Arante-Isita, also known as Arya, from the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee.
The exchange of fire, lasting for half an hour, resulted in the deaths of Isita, Bernardo Bagaas (known as John Paul), Logistics Officer of SRMA-4C, and Erickson Bedonia (known as Ricky), a member of SRMA-4C.
Recovered items by government troops following the bloody encounter included one M16 rifle, one baby armalite, one M4 Bushmaster rifle, six jungle packs, and wire for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
Isita, who also served as a Political Instructor of KLG Kidzania and Head TIG of KLG Silangan within the STRPC’s Main Regional Guerilla Unit, had an outstanding warrant of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 7 in Batangas City for violating RA 11479, the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.
She was previously recognized as the partner of Isagani Isita, known as Yano, a leader of STRPC’s Sinag 2.
Maj. Gen. Roberto S. Capulong, Commander of the 2nd Infantry Division, extended condolences to the families of the deceased CTGs, underscoring that surrendering and reintegrating into mainstream society could have offered them peaceful lives.
He also commended the cooperation of local residents in providing information and assisting the military in the area.
Furthermore, Maj. Gen. Capulong underscored the ongoing efforts of 2ID to counter NPA recruitment activities, emphasizing community programs and educational campaigns aimed at dissuading individuals from joining the CTG. These endeavors aim to foster resilient and well-informed communities resistant to extremist ideologies.
"The neutralization of Isita as Secretary of SRMA-4C represents a significant setback to the NPA’s leadership and their reorganization efforts in Batangas province," said Major Michael Malacad, Public Affairs Office Chief.
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #NPA