Tapaz: Two members of the Komiteng Rehiyong Panay (KR-Panay) were killed and several high-powered firearms were seized during an encounter with government forces in Barangay Katipunan, Tapaz, Capiz. The incident took place on Saturday, marking a significant operation by the Philippine Army against rebel forces.
According to Philippines News Agency, the 82nd Infantry Battalion (82IB) reported the identities of the fatalities as Benmark Laguerder, alias Anjino, and Edwin Penequito Gregore, alias Popoy. Laguerder was a finance and logistics officer of Squad 3 from Brgy. Poblacion South, Oton, Iloilo, and Gregore was a Squad 1 member from Brgy. Pinamalatican, Sigma, Capiz. Both individuals were identified as remnants of the KR-Panay group.
The confrontation occurred after government forces, including the 61st IB and the 12IB under the 301st Infantry Brigade, responded to information from residents about the rebels’ presence. When the troops arrived, they were fired upon by approximately seven rebels, leading to a 10-minute firefight around 7:45 a.m.
Recovered from the scene were two M16 and one M653 rifles, a rifle grenade, a 40mm high explosive round, four blasting caps, 12 backpacks, a bandolier, 10 M16 magazines with 281 rounds of ammunition, and various medicines and personal items.
Brig. Gen. Nhel Richard Patricio, commander of the 301st Infantry Brigade, emphasized the importance of community involvement in the success of the operation, highlighting the critical role of residents’ reports. He urged remaining KR-Panay members to surrender and integrate into society, assuring government support for those who choose peace.
Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, praised both the troops and the local community for their roles in the successful operation. He reiterated the call for remaining members of the communist group to abandon their struggle and participate in government reintegration programs like the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and amnesty initiatives.