Three suspected remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed during an encounter with government troops in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental early Saturday, March 21, 2026.
According to the Army’s 47th Infantry Battalion, troops were conducting security operations following reports of armed NPA presence when they engaged remnants of combined elements of the dismantled South West Front and the Regional Strike Force of Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros.
The firefight took place around 4 a.m. at Sitio Santol, Barangay Tampalon, Kabankalan City. Authorities said the exchange of gunfire lasted for about two minutes.
Three NPA remnants were killed during the encounter, and their bodies were recovered at the scene. No casualties were reported on the government side.
Recovered from the encounter site were one R4 rifle, two M16 rifles, two M203 grenade launchers, one hand grenade, and several subversive documents.
Military officials said the neutralized individuals were allegedly responsible for a series of violent incidents across Negros Island, including killings and arson. Among the cases attributed to the group were the deaths of Leonora Anguit, 74, and Renante Vedarte Guadalupe, 39, both residents of Barangay Tapi in Kabankalan City.
The fatalities were identified as Milky alias “Gorting” Sampini, Ritchie alias “Makoy” or “Akiro” Verano, and Joedil alias “Junjun” or “Cairo” Balsimo. Authorities linked them to various atrocities in the region.
The 3rd Infantry Division commended the 47th Infantry Battalion under the 302nd Infantry Brigade and recognized the cooperation of local residents whose reports helped lead to the encounter.
Major General Michael Samson said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to eliminate remaining NPA elements in the Negros Island Region and maintain security in affected communities. He also urged remaining NPA members to surrender and avail of government reintegration and amnesty programs.
