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
- Villa Tomasa-Alona Kew Hotel Resort files cases against Panglao mayorThe Villa Tomasa-Alona Kew Hotel Resort management has filed a criminal and civil cases against individuals headed by Panglao, Bohol… Read more: Villa Tomasa-Alona Kew Hotel Resort files cases against Panglao mayor
- High-Value Targets Apprehended in Joint Drug Bust Operation in Las Piñasby: Edjun Mariposque **** On May 9, 2024, at approximately 7:30 PM, law enforcement agencies made a significant breakthrough in… Read more: High-Value Targets Apprehended in Joint Drug Bust Operation in Las Piñas
- DRUG DEN DISCOVERED AND DISMANTLED BY PDEA AND PNP IN BACOOR CITYA drug den was discovered and dismantled by joint operatives of PDEA Cavite Provincial Office and Bacoor City Police… Read more: DRUG DEN DISCOVERED AND DISMANTLED BY PDEA AND PNP IN BACOOR CITY
- Pagsasanay ng DA-4A para sa Katutubong Dumagat, Bagong Pag-asa sa Pamumuno at PagsasakaSa kabila ng mga hamon na kinakaharap ng mga katutubong Dumagat sa mga bayan ng Burdeos at Gen. Nakar… Read more: Pagsasanay ng DA-4A para sa Katutubong Dumagat, Bagong Pag-asa sa Pamumuno at Pagsasaka
- PDEA Seize Php3.6M Worth of Shabu in Laguna Buy-Bust Operationby: Edjun Mariposque **** ** In a significant blow to the illegal drug trade, joint operatives of the Philippine Drug… Read more: PDEA Seize Php3.6M Worth of Shabu in Laguna Buy-Bust Operation
- HIGH-VALUE DRUG PERSONALITY ARRESTED DURING DRUG OPS IN SARIAYAby: Edjun Mariposque **** **** The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Quezon Provincial Office successfully apprehended a high-value drug personality… Read more: HIGH-VALUE DRUG PERSONALITY ARRESTED DURING DRUG OPS IN SARIAYA
- Pandemic Hero Nancy Dimaranan, a Beacon of Hope in Healthcare and Rehabilitationby: Edjun Mariposque **** *** In a time when healthcare facilities are under immense pressure due to the ongoing pandemic,… Read more: Pandemic Hero Nancy Dimaranan, a Beacon of Hope in Healthcare and Rehabilitation
- Congresswoman Ruth Hernandez Supportado ang KALASAG ni Rizal sa Layon ng Kaunlaran ng Lagunaby: Edjun Mariposque **** Sa isang marangal na seremonya, nagpasalamat si Congresswoman Ruth Hernandez sa imbitasyon na maging bahagi ng… Read more: Congresswoman Ruth Hernandez Supportado ang KALASAG ni Rizal sa Layon ng Kaunlaran ng Laguna
- Calamba NGO Day, Strengthening Partnerships for Collective Impact and Community Empowermentby: Edjun Mariposque **** In a heartwarming display of solidarity and appreciation, the city of Calamba recently hosted a memorable… Read more: Calamba NGO Day, Strengthening Partnerships for Collective Impact and Community Empowerment
- PTA Advocates of the Philippines Holds Successful 1st Team Building and General Assemblyby: Irene Roxas Rocha **** **** The PTA Advocates of the Philippines recently concluded its first-ever team building and… Read more: PTA Advocates of the Philippines Holds Successful 1st Team Building and General Assembly
- Grid Status on Yellow Alert, May 6 2024by: Edjun Mariposque **** 𝐆𝐑𝐈𝐃 𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐓 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐒 as of 6 May 2024, 8:45AM Luzon grid status Yellow alert 3:00PM –… Read more: Grid Status on Yellow Alert, May 6 2024
- 1st VMayor Baby Sumangil Evangelista Tennis Tournament, binuksanby: Ana Demerin **** Noong May 5, 2024 binuksan ang kauna-unahang Vice Mayor Baby Sumangil Evangelista Tennis Tournament na ginanap… Read more: 1st VMayor Baby Sumangil Evangelista Tennis Tournament, binuksan
- 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐆𝐢𝐥𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐨 𝐂. 𝐓𝐞𝐨𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐨, 𝐉𝐫.by: Edjun Mariposque **** I would like to clearly state that any insinuation that the Department of National Defense is… Read more: 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐆𝐢𝐥𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐨 𝐂. 𝐓𝐞𝐨𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐨, 𝐉𝐫.
- Enchanted Kingdom Unveils Magical Mother’s Day Extravaganzaby: Edjun Mariposque **** **** Enchanted Kingdom (EK), the premier world-class theme park in the Philippines, is set to create… Read more: Enchanted Kingdom Unveils Magical Mother’s Day Extravaganza
- Mayor Rizal Ipinahayag ang mga Pagbabago sa Calamba sa paghahatid ng Service Vehicle ng 2 Barangayby: Edjun Mariposque **** Calamba City, Laguna – Sa isang patuloy na pagpupursige upang magbigay ng mahusay na serbisyo sa… Read more: Mayor Rizal Ipinahayag ang mga Pagbabago sa Calamba sa paghahatid ng Service Vehicle ng 2 Barangay
- Calamba Water District Assures Ample Supply Amidst Rumors of Water Shortageby: Edjun Mariposque **** **** In the midst of circulating rumors regarding a looming water shortage across Calamba, the General… Read more: Calamba Water District Assures Ample Supply Amidst Rumors of Water Shortage
- 3.4 M HALAGA NG DROGA NAKUMPISKA SA 3 CHINESE NATIONAL MATAPOS ANG ENGKWENTRO LABAN SA PDEA AT PNPby: BONG RIVERA **** BATANGAS-Nakumpiska ng mga awtoridad ang tinatayang nasa P3.4 milyong pisong halaga ng illegal drugs mula sa… Read more: 3.4 M HALAGA NG DROGA NAKUMPISKA SA 3 CHINESE NATIONAL MATAPOS ANG ENGKWENTRO LABAN SA PDEA AT PNP
- DALAWA ANG NAKALIGTAS AT DALAWA ANG NASAWI SA GUMUHONG HUKAYby: BONG RIVERA **** QUEZON-Makaraan ang halos 13 oras na pagkalibing sa kanilang hinuhukay na balon, narekober na ang labi… Read more: DALAWA ANG NAKALIGTAS AT DALAWA ANG NASAWI SA GUMUHONG HUKAY
- OIL MILL TINUPOK NG APOY HALAGA NG NAPINSALA NASA P85-MILYONG PISOby: BONG RIVERA **** QUEZON-Mahigit na apat na oras na tinupok ng apoy ang isang oil mill nagsimulang sumiklab ang… Read more: OIL MILL TINUPOK NG APOY HALAGA NG NAPINSALA NASA P85-MILYONG PISO
- Bangus Festival sa Dagupan, pinangunahan ni Sen. Lapidby: Edjun Mariposque **** NAKISAYA si Senador Lito Lapid sa libu-libong local at foreign tourists na dumagsa sa Bangus Festival… Read more: Bangus Festival sa Dagupan, pinangunahan ni Sen. Lapid
Leave a comment