FALLEN REBEL LEADER. A file photo of Romeo Nanta, the late commanding officer of the Regional Operational Command of the NPA’s Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros. His body (left) was recovered by troops of the Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Medel of Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City in Negros Occidental on Monday (Oct. 10, 2022) following a series of encounters in the hinterland village. (Images courtesy of 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army)
BACOLOD CITY – The top Philippine Army official in Western Visayas said the death of Romeo Nanta, the regional head of the New People’s Army (NPA) armed unit, is a major setback to the communist-terrorist group’s operations in Negros Island.
“They are now on the brink of downfall following the surrender and death of their members and leaders in Negros,” Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, said in a statement on Wednesday.
Arevalo, who used to head the 303rd Infantry Brigade based in Negros Occidental, added that there would be demoralization within the ranks and a domino effect on the leadership of the NPA under Nanta’s command.
“We will not stop hunting them to fulfill the Negrenses’ desire for a CPP-NPA-free community. Before it’s too late, they must lay down their firearms and surrender peacefully,” he added.
On Monday afternoon, 94th Infantry Battalion personnel recovered the body of Nanta, 65, the commanding officer of the Regional Operational Command of the NPA’s Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, in Sitio Medel of Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City following a series of encounters in the hinterland village that started on Oct. 6.
Using the alias “Juanito Magbanua,” he was also the spokesperson of the Apolinario Gatmaitan Command, which confirmed his death in a press statement on Tuesday.
Nanta was facing criminal cases, including murder, frustrated murder, robbery, and damage to properties, as he was linked to atrocities that claimed the lives of civilians, police, and soldiers as well as damaged installations in Negros.
He was arrested in 2011 and jumped bail to return to the rebel movement. (PNA)
