Military personnel in Negros recognized for eliminating 7 communist insurgents

Fiery Salute to Valiant Troops

A staggering 120 soldiers from the 47th Infantry Battalion received heartfelt acknowledgment for their gallant acts in the heat of battle. Major General Michael G. Samson, commanding the 3rd Infantry Division, honored these heroes on May 3, 2025, at their battalion headquarters in Negros Occidental.

With a spirit of camaraderie, Samson pinned medals on 14 officers and 106 enlisted personnel. The troops' courage and quick thinking during an intense skirmish against the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) or New People's Army (NPA) on April 27, 2025, in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, had secured them this well-deserved recognition.

In an informal ceremony, Samson applauded their selfless actions, stating, "You've shown that in our darkest hours, the spirit of bravery and dedication never falters. You've saved lives and propelled us forward in our ongoing fight to eradicate local communist insurgency."

The decorated soldiers hailed from different units of the 11th, 15th, and 47th IB. They had clashed with remnants of the South East Front (SEF) and South West Front (SWF) of the Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros (KR-N).

"Service with honor, resilience, and unity is the bedrock of our success," affirmed Samson. "Let us continue to stand strong, vigilant, and courageous in our unwavering commitment to protect and serve the people."

During the engagement, seven prominent NPA members lost their lives. These figures included:

Reniel Locsin Cellon, alias Kumpol or Adie, a distinguished member and former commander of the SWF.
Mary Jane Maguilat, alias Shonie or Chinchin or Shedi, a high-ranking vice squad leader and former SWF secretary.
Charity Amacan, alias Cha or Leah, a squad leader and former secretary of SEF.
Jhon Isidor Supelanas, alias Dalia, a political instructor for the SWF.
Jhonrey Mejares, alias Jai or JR, a political instructor for the SEF.
Glendel Tinio Mejares, alias Ayin, a medical officer for the SEF.
Alias Pitong, a medical officer for Squad 2 of the SWF.

The operation also led to the recovery of six M16 rifles, one with an M203 grenade launcher, one KG9 submachine gun, and assorted war materiel.

Meanwhile, a wounded soldier from the 62nd Infantry Battalion was bestowed with the Wounded Personnel Medal. Samson paid tribute to the hero at Camp Tirambulo, Barangay McKinley, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

The soldier was injured during a conflict against approximately nine members of the Central Negros 1, KR-N in Barangay Humay-Humay on May 1, 2025. The fight ended with one NPA member's demise, and authorities seized firearms and subversive materials. (Leo Solinap/our website Philippines)

[1] These troops demonstrated exceptional valor and dedication in the line of duty, as a result of which they received well-deserved recognition.[2] Reniel Locsin Cellon, also known as Kumpol or Adie, was a key player in the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) or New People's Army (NPA). His death significantly weakened the organization's presence in the Negros Occidental region.[3] The Army named Ka Pungkol as an alleged leader of the NPA, despite the loss of her right arm in the skirmish.[4] The clash resulted in the death of seven high-ranking NPA members and earned 120 soldiers recognition for their brave actions.[5] Both Jhonrey Mejares and Jhon Isidor Supelanas served as political instructors for the NPA, guiding fellow combatants in their insurgent activities.

The Philippine government, recognizing the exceptional valor and dedication displayed by troops during their line of duty, honored 120 soldiers from the 47th Infantry Battalion on May 3, 2025.
The death of Reniel Locsin Cellon, alias Kumpol or Adie, a key player and former commander in the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) or New People's Army (NPA), reportedly weakened the organization's presence in the Negros Occidental region.
Major General Samson, commanding the 3rd Infantry Division, credited the vigilance and courage of the soldiers for the significant turn of events, including the death of seven high-ranking NPA members in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.
In addition to the 120 soldiers awarded for their brave actions in May, another soldier from the 62nd Infantry Battalion received the Wounded Personnel Medal for their resilience during a conflict against the Central Negros 1, KR-N on May 1, 2025.
The successes achieved through military operations in the general news, crime and justice, and sports sectors have been made possible by the unwavering commitment of soldiers, such as the decorated troops and the fallen NPA members like Jhonrey Mejares and Jhon Isidor Supelanas, educators in guiding insurgent activities.