Alleged officials of a rebel group died in an encounter with the Philippine Army in Kabankalan City, Province of Negros Occidental.

The leader was identified as Renel Cellon alias “Kumander Kumpol.”

Another body was identified to be that of Marry Jean Magquilat alias “Chin-chin." Magquilat is reported to be Cellon’s girlfriend who served as vice squad leader.

Other casualties were identified as Isidro Supilina alias “Dalia,” John Rey Mijares, Glendel Mijares, Alias “Pitong,” and Charity Amacan alias “Nanay” who served as group secretary.

Operations were conducted by the 11^th, 15^th and 47^th Infantry Battalions of the Philippine Army in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City after receiving information on the presence of rebels in the said barangay.

The operations led to a series of encounters against the alleged rebel group at about 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025.

“We were able to neutralize high value individuals, we were able to dismantle, according to certain parameters, itong mga guerilla fronts. Headless, leaderless, nag-crumble na rin ang combat formation,” said Colonel Erwin Rommel Lamzon, chief of the 3^rd Infantry Division Public Affairs Office.

Relatives of Cellon, Magquilat, and Amacan have claimed their remains. Of the other remains, no information was obtained on alias Pitong’s relatives.

Aside from the casualties, a civilian was reported injured.

“Siguro may-ari ng kubo na ginamit na resting place ng grupo until the engagement happened. He was caught in the crossfire kasi si Kumpol, ginawa niyang human shield ang taong ito,” Lamzon added.

Six units of M16 rifles, a grenade launcher, a KG9 submachine gun, and bullets for various calibers of guns were recovered from the area.

Despite the encounter, it was learned further from Lamzon that no residents were displaced in the area.

GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas tried to reach out to the alleged rebel group for a statement, and from families of the casualties.