TACLOBAN CITY – A high-ranking official of the New People’s Army (NPA) and two others died in an encounter, Wednesday (June 18), in the hinterlands of Barangay Cogon, Carigara, Leyte.
One of the three casualties was identified as Juanito Sellesa, Jr., alias “Tibor,” an Executive Member of the Island Committee (IC) LEVOX, while the other two were identified as Eugene Paclita, Squad Leader of Squad 2, and Lito Delante, a member of Squad 2, Island Committee (IC) LEVOX of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).
Troops of the 93rd Infantry “Bantay Kapayapaan” Battalion, also seized an M16 rifle with two long magazines, one caliber .45 pistol with two magazines, one hand grenade, personal belongings, and subversive documents
It can be recalled that Sellesa and his group were wanted for the murder of a civilian identified as Jesus Sarcilla in Brgy. Binibihan also in Carigara on December 7, 2021.
Sarcilla was allegedly murdered in front of his daughter, despite having offered food and shelter to the terrorist group.
A case has been filed against alias Tibor’s group for violating International Humanitarian Law with the Commission on Human Rights Regional Office 8.
Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, Commander of the 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade, lauded the successful combat operation of the troops. “Ang pagkakaneutralize sa tatlong ito lalong lalo na kay alias “Tibor” ay nagsilbing hustisya para sa pamilya ni Jesus Sarcilla na walang awang pinatay sa harap ng kanyang anak. Hindi man niya hinarap ang batas sa kanyang krimen, hinarap naman niya ang bangis ng mga sundalo na naghatid sa kanya sa kanyang huling hantungan,” Vestuir said.
Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, Commander, 8th Infantry Division, strongly condemns the atrocities of the NPA to steal the opportunity of building a progressive Eastern Visayas. He continuously urged the people to remain firm in their support for the government and deny any presence of insurgency in their area. “There is nothing revolutionary in turning your future into tools of violence. To the insurgents, there is no honor in deceiving the people with your false ideals and promises while you selfishly use them as pawns in your senseless armed struggle,” he added. (By Marie Tonette Marticio / EV Mail JUNE 16-22, 2025 issue)
