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Deadly clashes leave a graduate from University of the Philippines Cebu, and six others, fatally wounded

In Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, seven individuals suspected of being part of the New People's Army (NPA) were reportedly killed in clashes with government forces.

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Deadly clashes leave a graduate from University of the Philippines Cebu, and six others, fatally wounded

Updated Army Operation in Negros Occidental:

Three notable deaths were reported among seven suspected rebels from the New People's Army (NPA) during conflicts with government forces in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental. On April 27, 2025, the clashes claimed the lives of Jhon Isidor Supelanas, Mary Jane Maguilat, and Jhonrey Mejares, better known as members of the dismantled Southwest Front.

Supelanas, a University of the Philippines Cebu Communication graduate and transwoman activist, was also an active student leader. Unfortunately, their fellow rebels Pitong, Glendel Tinio Mejares—a medical officer—, Charity Amacan—former squad leader and secretary of NPA’s South East Front, and another unidentified member known as "Ayin" followed soon after.

The operation, orchestrated by the 302nd Brigade under Brig. Gen. Joey A. Escanillas, included participation from the 11th, 15th, and 47th Infantry Battalions. The firefights initiated at 5:30 a.m. on Sunday following a tip-off regarding the NPA's presence in the area. Encounters continued at 5:35 a.m., 6:09 a.m., and 6:50 a.m., resulting in the recovery of the rebels' bodies together with seven high-powered firearms, including six M16 rifles and one M203 grenade launcher.

Lt. Gen. Fernando Reyeg, commander of the Visayas Command, lauded the troops for this successful series of encounters. He emphasized the campaign's critical role in strengthening the region's stability and security against the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA.

Sources:[1] ABC News[2] Inquirer.net[3] GMA News[4] ABS-CBN News[5] Rappler

  1. The Philippine government conducted a joint operation with multiple battalions against the New People's Army (NPA) in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.
  2. The operation, led by the 302nd Brigade, resulted in the neutralization of seven suspected NPA rebels, including three fatalities, in the Southwest Front.
  3. Among the deceased rebels was Jhon Isidor Supelanas, a University of the Philippines Cebu Communication graduate and transwoman activist, who was also an active student leader.
  4. The general news outlets like ABC News, Inquirer.net, GMA News, ABS-CBN News, and Rappler reported on the military operation and the fatalities, with a focus on the political and crime-and-justice implications.
  5. The successful operation is crucial in the region's stability and security against the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA, as emphasized by Lt. Gen. Fernando Reyeg, commander of the Visayas Command.
  6. The predicted fallout from this operation in terms of war-and-conflicts and politics continues to unfold in the local barangay and beyond.
In Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, seven alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) perished during confrontations with government forces.
Seven individuals, believed to be partisans of the New People's Army (NPA), allegedly perished in confrontations with government forces in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.
Seven presumed members of the New People's Army (NPA) met their demise in confrontations with government soldiers in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.

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