Top NPA Leader in Negros Killed in Clashes With Philippine Army

Top NPA Leader in Negros Killed in Clashes With Philippine Army

The Philippine Army reported that the alleged highest-ranking leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Negros was among two rebels killed during separate encounters with government troops in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental.

Brigadier General Ted Dumosmog, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, identified one of the fatalities as Reynaldo Erecre, also known as “Amik,” who was said to be the secretary of the CPP-NPA’s Komiteng Rehiyon–Negros. He was killed at around 4 p.m. on January 30 during a clash with soldiers from the 94th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Bi-ao.

“This is a major blow to the rebel movement,” Dumosmog said.

Authorities said Erecre’s sister was expected to claim his remains, pending identity verification. Coordination was also underway with his brother, Roy Erecre, a former National Democratic Front consultant who surrendered to Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado in November 2025.

Earlier that same day, at around 2:50 a.m., another alleged NPA member, Regie Pacheco, also known as “Dante,” was killed in a separate encounter in Barangay Bi-ao. Pacheco was identified as a finance and logistics officer and a member of the Regional Strike Force of the NPA’s Central Negros 2.

According to the 94th Infantry Battalion, the encounter disrupted an alleged plan by the armed group to sabotage government infrastructure projects in the area. Troops acted on information provided by local residents, preventing the reported plan to burn heavy equipment used in ongoing development work.

In a separate incident on January 31, two more alleged NPA members were killed in an encounter with soldiers from the 47th Infantry Battalion in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental. As of February 1, the identities of the two fatalities had not yet been confirmed.

The Army said the operation was launched after residents from Barangays Sandayao and Binobohan reported the presence of armed individuals in the area. The encounter resulted in the recovery of an M-16 rifle, a .45-caliber pistol, a hand grenade, ammunition, and several documents believed to be subversive.

Major General Michael Samson, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, called on remaining members of the communist armed movement to abandon armed struggle and take advantage of government reintegration programs.

“These initiatives offer a chance to avoid further loss of life, reunite with families, and heal within communities that continue to care for them,” Samson said.