Photo Courtesy of 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division, Philippine Army.
ILIGAN CITY (MindaNews / 28 February) – An alleged senior leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Western Mindanao was killed during a clash with soldiers in Dumingang, Zamboanga del Sur Tuesday morning, February 27.
Maj. Gen. Gabriel C. Viray III, Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division commander, identified the slain NPA official as Apricia Alvarez Rosete, alias Bambam.
Viray said that Rosete, allegedly the secretary of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National Democratic Front, was facing charges of murder, extortion and sabotage.
He said the 10-minute firefight with Rosete’s group happened in Barangay Malagalad at 4 a.m. Tuesday.
Viray said Rosete’s comrades withdrew and left her behind.
Lt. Gen. William N. Gonzales, Western Mindanao Command chief, commended the Tabak Division for their “relentless efforts in bringing justice and peace to the region.”
“For too long, insurgency has plagued the Zamboanga Peninsula, but justice has been served with the fall of Aprecia Rosete alias Bambam. This victory marks a significant milestone in our journey towards peace and stability, paving the way for sustainable regional development,” Gonzales said in a statement.
Lt. Col. Terrence Ylanan, chief of the 53rd Infantry Battalion and commander of Task Force Terminator, has assured a dignified burial for Rosete, who reportedly hails from Agusan del Sur.
“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,” he said.
Recovered from the encounter site were an AK-47 rifle, a caliber .45 handgun with a magazine and personal belongings of Rosete, Ylanan said. (Marivic Omandam Davis / MindaNews)
