CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – Another member of the communist terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in an encounter with the Army’s 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion in Brgy Cananaman, Leon, Iloilo, on August 13, 2023.
Rebecca Aliparo alias Mara, a political instructor and a Finance Officer of Southern Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay, died after a 3-minute firefight, as soldiers responded to the repeated plea of the local residents on the presence of CPP-NPA terrorists conducting extortion in their community.
Seized from the encounter site were one Cal .45 pistol, bandoliers, magazines, several ammunitions, and assorted war materiel.
Leon Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Manahement Office (MDRRMO) retrieved the cadaver later that day and notified the family of the slain terrorist, who hails from Brgy. Bagacay, Tigbauan, Iloilo.
In a statement, Major Gen. Marion Sison, the Commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, said that the death of Aliparo will not be the last. The government forces will continue to run after those terrorists who cause miseries and sufferings to our communities.
“You cannot escape, and while you still have time, give up the senseless armed struggle and regain your future,” Major Gen. Sison emphasized.
Meanwhile, 19 soldiers from the 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion of the Philippine Army have been recognized for their exceptional courage and heroic actions during a series of encounters with members of the CPP-NPA rebels.
These engagements took place in Brgy. Camandang and Brgy. Ayabang in Leon, Iloilo, neutralizing two rebels and confiscating four firearms, anti-personnel mines, cellphones, extortion letters, subversive documents, and personal belongings.
The Military Merit Medals were presented to the soldiers in a simple ceremony held at the Battalion Headquarters in Camp Monteclaro, Brgy Igtuba, Miag-ao, Iloilo, on August 8, 2023.
Brigadier General Michael G. Samson, Commander of the 301st Infantry Brigade, and Lieutenant Colonel Arturo S. Balgos Jr., Commanding Officer of the 61st Infantry Battalion, officiated the ceremony.
During the event, Brig. Gen. Samson commended the unwavering dedication exhibited by the 61IB troops in their efforts to locate and engage the remaining members of the Southern Front. (3ID Spearhead troopers)
