A ranking leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and two of his comrades were killed in a clash with government forces in Barangay Cogon, Carigara, Leyte on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
The Philippine Army’s 93rd Infantry “Bantay Kapayapaan” Battalion engaged members of the Squad 2, Island Committee (IC) LEVOX of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), neutralizing three of the insurgents.
The fatalities were identified as Juanito Sellesa Jr., alias Tibor, an executive member of the IC LEVOX, Eugene Paclita, alias Dimple, and Lito Delante, alias Dodong.
Recovered at the scene were an M16 rifle with two magazines, a .45 caliber pistol with two magazines, a hand grenade, personal belongings, and subversive documents.
Sellesa and his group had been wanted for their alleged involvement in the 2021 murder of a ceretain Jesus Sarcilla, an NPA supporter, but was nonetheless executed.
Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, commended the operation, highlighting its significance in bringing justice to Sarcilla’s family.
MGen. Adonis Ariel Orio, chief of the 8th Infantry Division, viewed the troops’ achievement as “the result of intensive civil-military cooperation.”
He condemned the insurgents for continuing to recruit vulnerable individuals, including youths and farmers.
“Even up to this day, the communist terrorist group is still pursuing recruitment activities to corrupt the youth, farmers, and the common people. What they are doing is an outright violation of humanity and justice as they prey on the vulnerable, manipulate the people, and compromise the government’s effort in bringing peace and development in the region,” Orio said..
He reiterated his appeal for the NPA hold-outs to surrender, promising support and reintegration for those who yield.
“I assure you that there is no haven for terrorism in 8ID’s areas of operations. To those still in the ranks of CTG, let there be no more lives wasted in armed struggle. Surrender now, return to your families, and choose the path of peace while there is still time,” Orio said.
