NPA leader among 3 killed in Leon clash – 3ID

From Panay News (Oct 2, 2023): NPA leader among 3 killed in Leon clash – 3ID (By Ruby P. Silubrico)

ILOILO City – The three New People’s Army (NPA) rebels killed in an encounter in Barangay Cagay, Leon, Iloilo on Friday, Sept. 29, have been identified.

Among them was Azucena Churesca Rivera, known in the movement as Rebecca Alifaro or alias “Jing” and the secretary of the Southern Front-Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay (SF-KR-P) of the NPA, according to Lieutenant Colonel J-Jay Javines, spokesperson of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID).

The other fatalities were Jimmy “Dennis” Macuana of Antique province, a member of SF-KR-P’s Suyak Platoon, and Gerly “Elay” Tejeros of Barangay Bagumbayan, Tigbauan town, second deputy secretary and education and medical staff of SF-KR-P.

Javines said Rivera, a native of Cabatuan town, was responsible for the planning and implementation of rebel-initiated violent activities in southern Panay, a series of encounters and liquidation of suspected civilian informants, and burning of heavy equipment in Iloilo and Antique provinces.

She was facing a string of criminal charges to include violations of International Humanitarian Law and Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, and attempted murder with the use of unlicensed firearm, according to the 3ID.

“They were wanted rebels because of their pending criminal cases in court. They were holding higher positions. This recent encounter caused a huge damage to their group kasi mga leaders sila,” Javines said.

The 3ID spokesperson added: “Their families have already presented documents. They will be released once the investigation and the processing of documents are completed.”

Major General Marion Marion Sison, 3ID commander, said the death of the three rebels was a step closer to end the local communist armed conflict in Panay Island.

“Thanks to the ever-increasing support that the Army is gaining from all sectors of society, including from local chief executives, local and national government agencies, civil society and people’s organizations,” Sison said.

He added: “Undeniably, this particular accomplishment came to fore because everyone have done their part through our so-called whole-of-nation approach in fighting a common enemy. But most importantly, this is because of the support of the local populace.”

https://www.panaynews.net/npa-leader-among-3-killed-in-leon-clash-3id/