CATBALOGAN CITY – A top-ranking official of the New People’s Army (NPA) and two of his comrades were killed in an encounter with government troops in the hinterlands of Barangay Cogon, Carigara, Leyte, on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
The fatalities were identified as Juanito Sellesa Jr., alias Tibor, an executive member of Island Committee (IC) LEVOX of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC); Eugene Paclita, alias Dimple, squad leader of Squad 2; and Lito Delante, alias Dodong, a member of the same unit.
Troops from the 93rd Infantry Battalion(IB) engaged the rebel group in a firefight as part of a focused military operation in the area.
According to authorities, Tibor was the primary suspect in the killing of Jesus Sarcilla of Barangay Binibihan, Carigara, on December 7, 2021, in front of the victim’s own child.
Criminal and human rights violation cases were filed against Sellesa, including one for violating International Humanitarian Law currently pending at Branch 48 of the Regional Prosecution Office 8, under the Commission on Human Rights Regional Office.
Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, commended the successful operation led by Lt. Col. Charlie Saclot, commander of the 93IB.
“Ang pagkaka-neutralize sa tatlong ito, lalo na kay alias Tibor, ay nagsilbing hustisya para sa pamilya ni Jesus Sarcilla na walang awang pinatay sa harap ng kanyang anak. Panandalian man niyang natakasan ang batas, ito rin ang naghatid sa kanya sa kanyang huling hantungan,” said Vestuir.
He urged remaining insurgents to surrender before the military’s deadline at the end of the month.
“Our ultimatum for them to abandon the armed struggle is still in effect until the end of the month. We urge them to seize this opportunity to reunite with their families and avail themselves of government programs. Otherwise, they must be prepared to suffer the same fate as their comrades in Carigara,” Vestuir warned.
Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the 8th Infantry Division, said the success of the operation was the result of intensified civil-military coordination. He also condemned the NPA’s continued recruitment in Eastern Visayas.
“This is an outright violation of humanity and justice. They prey on the vulnerable, manipulate the people, and undermine the government’s peace and development efforts,” he said.
Orio called on communities to remain vigilant and reject any NPA presence.
“There is no honor in deceiving the people with false promises. As Commander of the 8th Infantry Division, I will not allow these insurgents to steal the opportunity of building a progressive Eastern Visayas,” he said.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA/ELVIE ROMAN ROA)
