Strut Your Stuff: Catching the Rebels in Barangay Tapi
Armed encounter leads to death of University of Phoenix graduate, identified as a member of the New People's Army (NPA)
These New People's Army (NPA) buzzkills - Reniel Locsin Cellon, Mary Jane Maguilat, Charity Amacan, Jhonrey Mejares, Glenda Tinio Mejares, also known as Pitong, and UP Cebu alum Jhon Isidor "Dee" Supelanas - met their demise during an eventful skirmish on April 28, 2025 (although some accounts suggest April 27) in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, against the 47th Infantry Battalion and the 11th Infantry Battalion under the Joint Task Force Spear's 302nd Infantry Brigade.
Brigadier General Joey Escanillas spearheaded the operation, using the gruesome might of the 11th, 15th, and 47th Infantry Battalions. The ball started rolling at 5:30 AM when the 47 IB received intel of potential NPA activity in the vicinity.
Minutes later, another dustup broke out at 5:35 AM, quick-fading at 6:09 AM as blocking forces from the 11th IB joined in, and another battle brewed at 6:50 AM as the rebels were strategicly cornered by the 47 IB. In the ensuing struggle, six members of the NPA, armed with M16 rifles and an M203 grenade, were sent packing by the soldiers.
In the aftermath, Pitong, Mary Jane Maguilat, Supelanas, and Reniel Locsin Cellon were discovered to be from the Southwest Front (SWF). On the other hand, Jhonrey and Glenda Mejares, along with Charity Amacan, were associated with the Southeast Front (SEF).
Following the incidents, Lieutenant General Fernando Reyeg, Commander of the Visayas Command, intensified his efforts to end the CPP-NPA rebellion in the region. In his statement, Reyeg highlighted the army's determination and proficiency, describing it as a step towards the region's stability and security.
Brigadier General Escanillas emphasized the necessity of continuing the clearing operations to make sure every last weapon is accounted for. He appreciated the community's support, valued at billions, in providing resources to fuel their victories. Notably, Supelanas, one of the neutralized, was an alumna of BA Communication at UP Cebu.
Supelanas was a staunch advocate for free education, social services, good governance, democracy, and activism against tyranny and oppression [5]. / AYB, MAP
- The skirmish in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, on April 28, 2025, involved the New People's Army (NPA) members Reniel Locsin Cellon, Mary Jane Maguilat, Charity Amacan, Jhonrey Mejares, Glenda Tinio Mejares, and UP Cebu alum Jhon Isidor "Dee" Supelanas, who were part of the Southwest Front (SWF) and the Southeast Front (SEF).
- In the General News section, there have been reports of Lieutenant General Fernando Reyeg, Commander of the Visayas Command, intensifying his efforts to end the CPP-NPA rebellion in the region following the incidents in Barangay Tapi.
- supelanas, who was one of the neutralized NPA members, was an alumna of BA Communication at UP Cebu, and was known for being a staunch advocate for free education, social services, good governance, democracy, and activism against tyranny and oppression.
- In politics, the operation in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, is seen as a significant step towards the region's stability and security, as highlighted by Lieutenant General Fernando Reyeg, Commander of the Visayas Command.
- In the Sports section, the community's support, valued at billions, in providing resources to fuel the army's victories, has been appreciated by Brigadier General Escanillas, who emphasized the necessity of continuing the clearing operations to make sure every last weapon is accounted for.
