High-Ranking NPA Leader, 2 Others Killed as 2ID and NPA Clash in Batangas

March 28, 2024

2–3 minutes

In a fierce confrontation between the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division (2ID) and the New People’s Army (NPA) in Rosario, Batangas, on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, a high-ranking NPA leader and two other members met their demise. The clash occurred as troops from the 59th Infantry “Protector” Battalion of the 201st Infantry “Kabalikat” Brigade, under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Erwin A. Alea, engaged with armed individuals from the NPA’s Sub-Regional Military Area 4C (SRMA-4C).

The firefight erupted during Focused Military Operations at Barangay Leviste, where the government troops encountered members of the NPA led by Secretary Junalice Arante-Isita, also known as Arya. The intense exchange of gunfire lasted for approximately 30 minutes, resulting in the fatal injuries of Isita, Bernardo Bagaas (alias John Paul), the Logistics Officer of SRMA-4C, and Erickson Bedonia (alias Ricky), a member of SRMA-4C.

Among the recovered items from the encounter site were one M16 rifle, one baby armalite, one M4 Bushmaster rifle, six jungle packs, and wire intended for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Isita, in addition to her leadership role within the NPA, held positions as a Political Instructor of KLG Kidzania and Head TIG of the KLG Silagan within the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee (STRPC). Notably, she was also wanted for violating the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, with an arrest warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 7 in Batangas City.

Isita, identified as the partner of Isagani Isita (alias Yano), a prominent leader of the STRPC’s Sinag 2 unit who was killed in a previous encounter, hailed from Barangay Banaba in Padre Garcia, Batangas. She had pursued her education at Lipa City National Science High School and later studied Behavioral Science at the University of the Philippines – Manila.

Maj. Gen. Roberto S. Capulong, Commander of the 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division, extended condolences to the families of the deceased NPA members, emphasizing that they could have chosen a path towards peaceful coexistence had they surrendered and reintegrated into mainstream society. He applauded the cooperation of local residents for providing crucial information and assistance to the military forces operating in the area.

Furthermore, Maj. Gen. Capulong highlighted the ongoing efforts of the 2ID in countering NPA recruitment activities. Through community programs and educational campaigns, the military aims to deter individuals from joining the Communist Terrorist Group, fostering resilient communities resistant to extremist ideologies.

The elimination of Junalice Arante-Isita, the Secretary of SRMA-4C, represents a significant setback for the NPA’s leadership structure and their efforts to reorganize in Batangas province. The operation underscores the commitment of the Philippine Army to uphold peace and security while dismantling threats posed by insurgent groups across the nation.

#Edjun Mariposque