WHILE conducting a combat operation on February 27, the Philippine troops of the 102nd Infantry Brigade encountered members of the armed group Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC) in Barangay Malagalad, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur.
Aprecia Rosete, alias Bambam, was killed in the encounter.
Bambam was said to be a notorious CPP-NPA-NDF regional leader operating in Zamboanga del Sur.
She was also the mastermind behind several crimes in the Zamboanga Peninsula, including extortion from investors, killing innocent civilians, and damaging properties.
Aprecia had more than 30 warrants of arrest issued against her.
The troops also recovered an AK47 with magazines, a caliber.45 Pistol with magazines, and various propaganda materials, from the remains of Aprecia.
The Philippine military confirmed that Bambam was the last remaining high-value target and acting leader of WMRPC.
LtGen. William Gonzales, the commander of the Western Mindanao Command, commended the troops involved in the operation and the collaboration between the AFP, PNP, and law enforcement operations in the area.
“I commend the troops of the 1st Infantry Division, led by Maj. Gen. Gabriel Viray III; the 102nd Infantry Brigade, led by Brig. Gen. Elmer Suderio; and the 53rd Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Terrence Ylanan for this significant accomplishment,” LtGen. William Gonzales, Commander, WestMinCom said.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reiterated their commitment to intensify joint operations and encouraged remaining members of the communist group to surrender peacefully rather than engage in armed conflict with authorities.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to bolster our military and joint operations, urging remaining members to surrender peacefully rather than engage in armed conflict with our forces. However, should they persist in resistance, we will escalate our efforts to neutralize their threat and ensure they do not resurface,” LtGen. Gonzales added.
