High Ranking NPA leader, 2 others killed as 2ID and NPA clash in Batangas
CAMP CAPINPIN, Rizal - A ranking leader of the New People’s Army and two other members died following an encounter between the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division and the Communist Terrorist Group in Rosario, Batangas on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.
Troops of the 59th Infantry “Protector” Battalion of the 201st Infantry “Kabalikat” Brigade led by Brig. Gen. Erwin A. Alea were conducting Focused Military Operations at Barangay Leviste when they encountered an undetermined number of armed personalities from the Sub-Regional Military Area 4C led by its Secretary, Junalice Arante-Isita alias Arya, from the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee. A 30-minute firefight ensued which resulted in the death of Isita, Bernardo Bagaas alias John Paul, Logistics Officer (P4) of SRMA-4C, and Erickson Bedonia alias Ricky, member of SRMA-4C. The government troops recovered one M16 rifle, one baby armalite, one M4 Bushmaster rifle, six jungle packs, and wire for Improvised Explosive Devices.
She was also a Political Instructor of KLG Kidzania of the STRPC’s Main Regional Guerilla Unit and Head TIG of the KLG Silagan. She has a warrant of arrest filed by the Regional Trial Court Branch 7 in Batangas City for violating RA 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.
Isita was the party wife of Isagani Isita alias Yano, a leader of STRPC’s Sinag 2 who died last July 30, 2023, after he fired upon the authorities who served him multiple arrest warrants in Sariaya, Quezon. She was a resident of Barangay Banaba in Padre Garcia, Batangas, and graduated from Lipa City National Science High School and studied Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science at the University of the Philippines - Manila.
The 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division Commander Maj. Gen. Roberto S. Capulong condoles with the families of the killed CTGs, who could have been enjoying peaceful lives had they opted to surrender and rejoin the mainstream society. He also commended the support of the locals for providing the information and helping the military in the area.
Additionally, Maj. Gen. Capulong underscored the ongoing efforts of 2ID to combat NPA recruitment activities, noting that through various community programs and educational campaigns, the military is actively working to dissuade individuals from joining the CTG, aiming to create resilient and informed communities that are resistant to extremist ideologies.
The neutralization of Isita as the Secretary of SRMA-4C is a substantial blow to the NPA’s leadership and their reorganization effort in Batangas province.