2 NPA regional leaders killed in northern Negros clash
NEUTRALIZED. Photos of Hans “Jojo” Ponteras, acting regional front secretary and finance officer of the Regional Taxation Implementing Group of the New People’s Army Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, and Marissa Pobresa, primary staff of Ponteras and the unit’s regional communication officer, released by the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion on Sunday (March 9, 2025). The two communist leaders were killed in a clash with government troops in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental the day before. (Photo courtesy of 79IB, Philippine Army)
BACOLOD CITY – Two regional leaders of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in a clash with troops of the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) in the hinterlands of Cadiz City, Negros Occidental on Saturday.
In a report Sunday afternoon, the 79IB identified the fatalities as Hans “Jojo” Ponteras, in his 40s, acting regional front secretary and finance officer of the Regional Taxation Implementing Group of Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor; and Marissa Pobresa, 23, a former squad member who later became Ponteras’ primary staff and the unit’s regional communications officer.
In a press statement, Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, commander of the 79IB, described their deaths as a major setback for the communist group in Negros and the entire Visayas region.
“The neutralization of their sitting regional front secretary, at the same time regional finance officer, and their communications officer signals their near decimation,” he added.
The clash, which took place in Hacienda Paraiso, Barangay Caduha-an at around 1:50 a.m., involved about seven NPA rebels.
Their comrades abandoned the bodies of Ponteras and Pobresa.
Troops recovered firearms, grenades, and antigovernment documents, including extortion letters allegedly signed by Ponteras under the alias “Armando Magbanua.”
The military reported no casualties on their side.
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