Top NPA leader slain in Zambo clash

PAGADIAN CITY – Government troops clashed Tuesday with communist rebel group and killed the female leader of New People’s Army tagged as behind the spate of attacks on military targets in the southern Philippines region of Zamboanga where the Maoist guerillas are actively operating.

Senior army officials hailed the slaying of Aprecia Rosete, alias Bambam, who had dozens of arrest warrants and rewards for her capture dead or alive. Rosete, head of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front, was killed in an encounter with the military in the village of Malagalad in Zamboanga del Sur’s Dumingag town.

The 102nd Infantry Brigade said Rosete, a native of Davao region, was tagged as the mastermind behind the series of extortion, murders, and sabotage activities in the Zamboanga Peninsula. It said Rosete had 30 warrants of arrest against her at the time of her death.

Troops recovered Rosete’s AK47 assault rifle with two magazines, a caliber .45 pistol with one magazine, and personal belongings.

Major Gen. Gabriel Viray III, commander of the 1st Infantry Division, congratulated the 102nd Infantry Brigade for their accomplishment. “This operation marks a critical step towards dismantling the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee that will eventually allow unhampered delivery of basic services in all remote areas of Zamboanga Peninsula. I commend the bravery and dedication of the troops involved; your sacrifices and hard work have finally paid off,” he said.

Lt. Gen. William Gonzales, commander of the Western Mindanao Command, also commended the 1st Infantry Division for their relentless efforts in bringing justice and peace to the region.

“For too long, the insurgency has plagued the Zamboanga Peninsula, but justice has been served with the fall of Rosete,” Gonzales said. “This victory marks a significant milestone in our journey towards peace and stability, paving the way for sustainable regional development.”

Lt. Col. Terrence Ylanan, commander the 53rd Infantry Battalion and commander of Task Unit Terminator, whose unit was responsible for the killing of Rosete, assured assistance for the proper burial of the rebel leader.

“Our troops have displayed exceptional courage and professionalism in this operation. This successful neutralization underscores our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the safety and security of our communities. We will ensure that Aprecia's remains are handled with respect and returned to her family," Ylanan said.

Brig. Gen. Elmer Suderio, commander of the 102nd Infantry Brigade, condoled with the family of Rosete and at the same time commended the soldiers for their dedication and bravery. “While we celebrate this victory, we cannot overlook that Bambam's demise could have been prevented if she opted to surrender. We mourn the loss of life and remain steadfast in our commitment to preventing such incidents in the future,” Suderio said.

There was no immediate statement from the hierarchy of the communist rebel group on the slaying of Rosete. The NPA has been fighting for many decades now for the establishment of a communist state in the country. (Mindanao Examiner)