FALLEN REBEL. The Philippine Army's 1st Infantry Division releases a photo of slain New People’s Army officer Aprecia Rosete on Tuesday (Feb. 27, 2024). For years, Rosete was pursued by government forces for extortion and murder cases. (Photo courtesy of 1ID)
PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – A high-ranking female communist leader wanted for several crimes was killed in an encounter with the Philippine Army in Zamboanga del Sur on Tuesday.
Aprecia Rosete (alias “Bambam”), a New People’s Army (NPA) regional commander, died in a combat operation by the Army's 102nd Infantry Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division in Barangay Malagad, Dumingag town.
Rosete, who hails from the Davao Region and served the NPA Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee, had 30 warrants of arrest for murder, extortion, and destruction of infrastructure in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Lt. Col. Terrence Ylanan, the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion commander and concurrent head of Task Unit Terminator, assured assistance for the burial of Rosete and in locating her family in 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,” he said in a statement.
Victory
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., meanwhile, commended the “remarkable efforts” of the 102nd Infantry Brigade and the 1st Infantry Division, led by Maj. Gen. Gabriel Viray, for their successful operation that led to Rosete’s neutralization.
“The AFP stands firm in our resolve to confront threat groups as we remain steadfast in our duty to safeguard peace and security throughout the country. We urge their remaining members to surrender or suffer the same fate as your dead comrades,” Brawner said in a statement Tuesday night.
Government troops, meanwhile, recovered an AK-47 assault rifle, magazines with serviceable ammunition, a .45 pistol and personal belongings from the encounter site in Barangay Malagalad, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur.
Aid for orphaned families
Meanwhile, Senator Robin Padilla's office delivered financial assistance to the families of the six fallen soldiers from an encounter against the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group in Munai, Lanao del Norte on Feb. 18.
Padilla's team handed the assistance on Sunday to the families of Corporals Rey Anthony Salvador and Rodel Mobida.
Salvador is from Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay but was transferred by his unit to Sta Barbara, Zamboanga City; while Mobida is from San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur.
The families of PFC Arnel Tornito of Curvada Tukuran town and Priv. Michel John Lumingkit of Midsalip, both in Zamboanga del Sur; PFC Redland Tapinit of Lala, Lanao del Norte; and Priv. James Porras of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur will likewise receive aid from the senator's office. (PNA)
