3 suspected rebels killed in Leyte encounter
Items from rebels seized by the military during the Leyte encounter. (Photo from the Philippine Army)
Three suspected communist rebels were killed in an encounter with government troops in Carigara, Leyte, the Philippine Army said Wednesday.
The military identified the fatalities as Juanito Sellesa Jr. alias Tibor, alleged to be an executive member of Island Committee LEVOX of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.
The other two fatalities were identified as Eugene Paclita alias Dimple, said to be a squad leader, and Lito Delante alias Dodong, a member of the same squad of the said New People's Army unit.
They were killed in the hinterlands of Barangay Cogon on June 18.
The military also seized one M16 rifle with two long magazines, one caliber .45 pistol with two magazines, one hand grenade, personal belongings, and subversive documents.
Tibor and his group were wanted for allegedly murdering Jesus Sarcilla alias Sosing in Barangay Binibihan, Carigara, Leyte on December 7, 2021.
They are also facing charges for violating the International Humanitarian Law before the Commission on Human Rights Regional Office 8.
'Ang pagkaka neutralized sa tatlong ito lalong lalo na kay alias Tibor ay nagsilbing hustisya para sa pamilya ni Jesus Sarcilla na walang awang pinatay sa harap ng kanyang anak,' said Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, Philippine Army commander of the 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade.
(The neutralization of the three men serves as justice for the family of Jesus Sarcilla, who was mercilessly killed in front of his son.)
'Hindi man niya hinarap ang batas sa kanyang krimen, hinarap naman niya ang bangis ng mga sundalo na naghatid sa kanya sa kanyang huling hantungan,' he added.
(Although he did not face the consequence for his crime, he did face the brutality of the soldiers who brought him to his death.)
Meanwhile, Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division, condemned the continued recruitment of communist rebel groups in Eastern Visayas.
He also urged the public to keep supporting the government and deny any presence of insurgency in their area.
'There is nothing revolutionary in turning your future into tools of violence. To the insurgents, there is no honor in deceiving the people with your false ideals and promises while you selfishly use them as pawns in your senseless armed struggle,' Orio said.
'As the Commander of the 8th Infantry Division, I strongly condemn these atrocities, and I will not allow these insurgents to steal the opportunity of building a progressive Eastern Visayas,' he added. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/LDF, GMA Integrated News
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
GMA Network
3 days ago
- GMA Network
3 suspected rebels killed in Leyte encounter
Items from rebels seized by the military during the Leyte encounter. (Photo from the Philippine Army) Three suspected communist rebels were killed in an encounter with government troops in Carigara, Leyte, the Philippine Army said Wednesday. The military identified the fatalities as Juanito Sellesa Jr. alias Tibor, alleged to be an executive member of Island Committee LEVOX of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee. The other two fatalities were identified as Eugene Paclita alias Dimple, said to be a squad leader, and Lito Delante alias Dodong, a member of the same squad of the said New People's Army unit. They were killed in the hinterlands of Barangay Cogon on June 18. The military also seized one M16 rifle with two long magazines, one caliber .45 pistol with two magazines, one hand grenade, personal belongings, and subversive documents. Tibor and his group were wanted for allegedly murdering Jesus Sarcilla alias Sosing in Barangay Binibihan, Carigara, Leyte on December 7, 2021. They are also facing charges for violating the International Humanitarian Law before the Commission on Human Rights Regional Office 8. 'Ang pagkaka neutralized sa tatlong ito lalong lalo na kay alias Tibor ay nagsilbing hustisya para sa pamilya ni Jesus Sarcilla na walang awang pinatay sa harap ng kanyang anak,' said Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, Philippine Army commander of the 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade. (The neutralization of the three men serves as justice for the family of Jesus Sarcilla, who was mercilessly killed in front of his son.) 'Hindi man niya hinarap ang batas sa kanyang krimen, hinarap naman niya ang bangis ng mga sundalo na naghatid sa kanya sa kanyang huling hantungan,' he added. (Although he did not face the consequence for his crime, he did face the brutality of the soldiers who brought him to his death.) Meanwhile, Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division, condemned the continued recruitment of communist rebel groups in Eastern Visayas. He also urged the public to keep supporting the government and deny any presence of insurgency in their area. 'There is nothing revolutionary in turning your future into tools of violence. To the insurgents, there is no honor in deceiving the people with your false ideals and promises while you selfishly use them as pawns in your senseless armed struggle,' Orio said. 'As the Commander of the 8th Infantry Division, I strongly condemn these atrocities, and I will not allow these insurgents to steal the opportunity of building a progressive Eastern Visayas,' he added. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/LDF, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
6 days ago
- GMA Network
3 suspected NPA rebels killed in Surigao del Norte clashes — military
Three suspected New People's Army rebels were killed in a series of firefights with government security forces in Barangay Bugas-Bugas, Placer, Surigao del Norte, the military said Monday. In a statement, the Philippine Army's 4th Ifantry Division said that among those killed were one Roderick Maco Bensing alias 'Rodel,' a top leader for the NPA in the Caraga region and a certain Liezl Dagohoy Mondejar, who died in the hospital due to critical injuries, and another unidentified person. The operation was conducted by the joint forces of the 30th Infantry (Fight On) Battalion, 901st Infantry Brigade, and intelligence units under the 4th ID from June 13 to 15. 'Their (NPA combatants) failure highlights the resilience and commitment of the local communities and security forces in preserving peace and order in the area,' the military said. Aside from the NPA fatalities, authorities also reported the capture of another suspected NPA member, Allan Cacatian alias 'Allen' and the surrender of NPA leader Ricky Per alias 'Rem.' Rem also turned over a caliber .45 pistol and later led troops to an arms cache, resulting in the recovery of his M16 rifle, a rifle grenade, magazines, ammunition, bandoliers, and mobile phones. Brigadier General Arsenio DC Sadural, brigade commander of the 901st Infantry Brigade, described the operation as a result of deliberate planning, precise execution, and strong coordination among military units. 'It sends a clear message to the remaining NPA members that the government's security forces are relentless and capable,' Sadural said. — Llanesca T. Panti/RSJ, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
04-06-2025
- GMA Network
4 suspected terrorists killed in Northern Samar clash
Four suspected members of the New People's Army were killed in a clash with state forces in Northern Samar, the Philippine Army (PA) 8th Infantry Division said Wednesday. According to the army, the encounter took place in Barangay Nagoocan, Catubig on June 3, Tuesday following reports that armed men were allegedly conducting extortion activities in the area. State forces also recovered three firearms following the encounter. The army said they are working to identify the suspected rebels and are coordinating with authorities to notify their families. Meanwhile, state forces discovered a cache of firearms and explosives in Barangay Roxas, Catubig on June 2. The PA said this is based on information by former rebels who are now under the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program after surrendering to authorities. Authorities recovered two M14 rifles, one M16 rifle, one M653 rifle, three improvised hand grenades, ammunition magazines, a bandolier, a pistol holster and medical paraphernalia. — Joahna Lei Casilao/BAP, GMA Integrated News
