Camp Navarro, Zamboanga City, October 7, 2024 – A military operation conducted by the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan (JTF ZamPeLan) resulted in the deaths of three Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebels and the confiscation of high-powered firearms in Kapai, Lanao del Sur. The clash occurred on October 5, 2024, at Sitio Bagong Silang, Barangay Malna, where government troops encountered a group of six rebels.
The encounter, which took place at 11:45 PM, lasted for about 15 minutes. The CPP-NPA rebels, believed to be part of the Dispatch Team of Sub-Regional Committee 5 (SRC-5) under the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), were led by a figure identified as alias Drags/Pio/Mobaks.
Three rebels were killed in the skirmish, including Rochie Singaman (alias Mogul/Aidan/Jan-Jan), Wendy Luis (alias Cris/Kit/Haber), and Hernan Gainalang (alias Ren/Jam/Asero/Jamer). All three were listed under the Philippine government’s Periodic Status Report (PSR) of known communist terrorists, with Singaman ranked #16, Luis #31, and Gainalang #32.
During the operation, military forces confiscated four high-powered firearms, including two M16 rifles, one M653 rifle, and one M14 rifle. The successful operation saw no casualties among the government troops.
Lt. Gen. William Gonzales, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), praised the efforts of JTF ZamPeLan, stating, “We would like to underline the significant role of JTF Zampelan in the neutralization of the said threat group. We anticipate fruitful operations in the months to come noting the continuous efforts and developments made to eliminate the threats in our Area of Responsibility.”
Military units remain on high alert, with continued pursuit operations underway to apprehend the remaining members of the terrorist group. Other units have cordoned off the area to restrict the movement of the fleeing rebels. The operation forms part of the military’s ongoing Decisive Military Operations (DMOs) aimed at neutralizing insurgent threats in the region.
This latest success marks a significant blow to the CPP-NPA’s presence in North Central Mindanao, reinforcing the government’s efforts to dismantle the group’s operations across the region.
