In a recent clash between the military and communist rebels, the death of Army Sgt. Jernell Ramillano has solidified Vice President Sara Duterte’s stance against any form of peace talks with the insurgents. In a statement issued on Thursday night, Duterte acknowledged the heroism of Sgt. Ramillano, who lost his life during an encounter with the New People’s Army (NPA) on December 17.
The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Duterte condemned the “heinous crime” committed by the communist rebels and shared the heartbreaking story of another soldier, Army 1Lt Jaren Relota, who was killed while fighting the NPA in Davao City in 2018. She recalled the mother of Lt. Relota questioning, “Inday Sara, how many more of our children will die because of the NPA terrorists?”
Duterte emphasized that the communists aim to dismantle the government and plunge the country into war, poverty, and injustice. She expressed her strong opposition to the recent agreement between the Marcos administration and communist groups, referring to it as an “agreement with the devil.” However, despite this agreement, the rebels have shown no signs of reducing their offensive operations.
On Friday, the military reported that soldiers from the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division successfully thwarted a plan by communist rebels to launch attacks during the Christmas season. This was revealed after the recovery of anti-personnel mines during a brief clash in Tagkawayan, Quezon. Troops from the 85th Infantry Battalion encountered a 10-man NPA group in Barangay Manato Central, Tagkawayan. After a 10-minute firefight, the rebels retreated, leaving behind four anti-personnel mines, ammunition, backpacks, and subversive documents.
The rebels involved in this encounter were members of the Platun Reymark of the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee under Sany Broncano Alias Tau, according to 2ID Commander Maj. Gen. Roberto Capulong. Meanwhile, Sgt. Ramillano lost his life during a clash between 2ID troopers and an NPA band in Balayan, Batangas. Six rebels also perished in the fighting. Lt. Col. Hector Estolas, 2nd ID public affairs chief, revealed that a vice platoon leader of the SPP Kawing, known as Kyrie/Vince, was critically wounded and abandoned by his comrades. He later succumbed to his injuries.
The items left behind by the fleeing rebels included two M16 rifles, an M653 rifle, a shotgun, 13 cellphones, and a laptop computer. Maj. Gen. Roberto Capulong commended Sgt. Ramillano for his bravery and heroism.
The tragic loss of Sgt. Ramillano serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by the military in their fight against the NPA. Vice President Sara Duterte’s unwavering stance against peace talks with the communist rebels is fueled by a deep concern for the safety and well-being of the Filipino people. As the nation continues to grapple with the threat of insurgency, it is crucial to support the military’s efforts in maintaining peace and stability.
The government remains committed to protecting its citizens from the destructive actions of the NPA and ensuring the nation’s progress and prosperity. The memory of Sgt. Ramillano and the countless others who have given their lives in service to the country will forever be honored and remembered.
Source: The Manila Times
