TACLOBAN CITY — The Philippine Army announced on Thursday the successful neutralization of a top New People’s Army (NPA) leader and two other suspects involved in civilian murders in Leyte, marking a significant step toward justice for the victims and their families.
Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, praised the troops of the 93rd Infantry Battalion for their operation on June 18 in Cogon village, Carigara, Leyte.
The operation resulted in the death of Juanito Sellesa Jr., alias Tibor, an executive committee member of the Island Committee Levox of the NPA Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee. Also killed during the clash were Eugene Paclita, alias Dimple, and Lito Laurente, alias Dodong, who were respectively the leader and a member of NPA Squad 2.
“The neutralization of these individuals, especially alias Tibor, is a significant milestone in delivering justice to the family of Jesus Sarcilla,” Vestuir said.
Sarcilla was murdered in front of his daughter in December 2021 in Binibihan village, Carigara. Despite his efforts to help the rebels by providing food and shelter, he was mercilessly killed, with his family demanding justice for his death.
Sellesa and his group face multiple charges, including murder and violations of International Humanitarian Law filed at the Regional Trial Court and the Regional Prosecution Office of the Commission on Human Rights.
During the operation, soldiers recovered firearms, a hand grenade, personal belongings, and subversive documents from the rebels’ hideout.
Vestuir also reiterated the government’s offer for rebels to surrender, emphasizing an end-of-June deadline.
“We urge them to abandon the armed struggle and take this opportunity to reunite with their families and access government programs. Continued rebellion will only lead to more bloodshed, as seen in Carigara,” he warned.
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