Civilians injured during gunfire in Kabankalan City event
Rewritten Article:
A CITIZEN sustained injuries, while seven alleged COMMUNIST REBELS were eliminated in a violent gunfight between government forces and the New People's Army (NPA) on April 27, 2025, in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.
The wounded citizen, revealed as Marcel Camangyan Anguit, was unfortunately caught in the line of fire during the early morning battles. He was quickly whisked off to Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Bacolod City, where his condition is now reported stable.
Major General Michael G. Samson, commander of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division of the Philippine Army, shared his concerns for the innocent civilian and offered sympathies to the affected families.
"We feel responsible for the civilian casualty during the encounter, and we're ensuring the best available medical care for him. We also extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families - irrespective of their ideological leanings. Each life lost in a violent conflict is deeply saddening," he declared.
The ongoing presence of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) or NPA remnants in communities continues to jeopardize peace and pose a threat to unsuspecting lives, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to quell the persistent communist armed conflict. Samson appealed to the remaining members to put down their arms and seek peace while there's still time.
The fatalities were identified as members of the dismantled South East and South West Fronts of the Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor (KR-NCBS).
The deceased were transferred to Sola Funeral Homes in Kabankalan City for necessary documentation and handling procedures.
Two of the seven fatalities were recognized as Reniel Locsin Cellon, also known as Adie or Kumpol, and Charity Amacan, also known as Nanay, Nelma, or Cara. Their families have claimed their bodies, while the remaining five cadavers still await collection.
Authorities keep urging the remaining communist combatants to surrender and rejoin society, highlighting the government's commitment to fostering peace and safeguarding communities in the area. (Leo Solinap/our Philippines-based news source)
The communist insurgency in Negros Occidental, Philippines, suffered a substantial blow following the recent skirmish. On April 27, 2025, seven suspected NPA members were killed in a firefight with Philippine soldiers in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City. This clash is seen as a severe setback for the NPA in the region as both the Southwest Front (SWF) and the Southeast Front (SEF), involved in the conflict, had been previously dismantled by the Philippine Army[3][5].
Currently:- Military Campaigns: The military continues to closely engage NPA members in firefights, aiming to eliminate their presence in the area[2][3].- Security Status: Despite the recent violence, Negros Occidental is still labeled under the Green Category by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), signifying no major security risks that could factor into upcoming elections[4].- NPA Standing: The NPA has weakened considerably, with military officials urging the remaining rebels to give up their struggle, asserting that the communist insurgency is on the decline[5].
Attempts to Resolve the Conflict:1. Military Offensives: The Philippine military, under the 3rd Infantry Division, continues its pursuit of NPA members, calling on them to surrender and relinquish their deadly weapons[5].2. Government Assistance: The Negros Occidental provincial government provides financial help and support to defectors as part of its reintegration and rehabilitation programs. This aid aims to facilitate the transition of those departing the insurgency back into mainstream society[4].3. Public Involvement: Authorities appeal to the public to offer support and intel to government forces, working together to ultimately stamp out the insurgency[2].4. Call for Peace: The governor of Negros Occidental has reaffirmed his calls for rebel surrender, offering assistance to those ready to respond, lay down their arms, and reintegrate[4].
In essence, efforts to bring an end to the conflict revolve around military action, government support for surrendering rebels, public cooperation, and ongoing appeals for peace.
- The government of the Philippines is actively engaged in military campaigns against the New People's Army (NPA) in Negros Occidental, particularly in Kabankalan City, as evidenced by a recent clash in Barangay Tapi that resulted in the elimination of seven NPA members and the wounding of a civilian.
- Major General Michael G. Samson, commander of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division of the Philippine Army, expressed concern for the civilian casualty and extended sympathies to the affected families.
- The wounded citizen, Marcel Camangyan Anguit, was taken to Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Bacolod City for treatment, and his condition was reported as stable.
- The Philippine Army continues to address the ongoing presence of NPA remnants in communities, highlighting the need for sustained efforts to quell the communist armed conflict and emphasizing the importance of seeking peace.
- Authorities are urging the remaining NPA combatants to surrender and rejoin society, with the Negros Occidental provincial government providing financial help and support to defectors as part of its reintegration and rehabilitation programs.
- Current events related to this conflict involve ongoing military offensives against the NPA, government assistance for surrendering rebels, public cooperation in offering support and intel, and ongoing appeals for peace from Negros Occidental's governor and other authorities.
