Notorious Philippine communist terrorist woman leader killed
Alleged mastermind behind heinous acts in Zamboanga Peninsula.
ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR: The Philippine Army said they have killed a notorious woman regional communist terrorist leader in western Mindanao.
The 1st Infantry Division, in a statement, said their unit, the 102nd Infantry Brigade, killed Aprecia Rosete also known as Bambam during a combat operation in Malagalad village, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur province, on Tuesday (Feb. 27).
She was allegedly the regional leader of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC) of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).
Rosete was the mastermind behind heinous acts in the Zamboanga Peninsula, including extortions from investors, the senseless murder of innocent civilians, and destructive sabotage of critical infrastructure projects, said the division.
“Her reign of terror has finally ended with over 30 warrants of arrest against her.”
The encounter site yielded an AK47 assault rifle with two magazines, a .45 pistol with one magazine and personal belongings belonging to the deceased NPA leader.
Lt. Col. Terrence Ylanan, the commanding officer of the 53rd Infantry Battalion and commander of Task Unit Terminator, assured assistance for the Rosete’s dignified burial and locating her family in Agusan del Sur province also in Mindanao.
"Our troops have displayed exceptional courage and professionalism in this operation. This successful neutralisation underscores our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the safety and security of our communities. We will ensure that Aprecia's remains are handled with respect and returned to her family," Ylanan said in the statement.
Brig. Gen. Elmer B. Suderio, the commander of the 102nd Infantry Brigade, commended the troops involved for their dedication and bravery in the face of danger while expressing sorrow over the loss of life.
"While we celebrate this victory, we cannot overlook that Bambam's demise could have been prevented if she opted to surrender. We mourn the loss of life and remain steadfast in our commitment to preventing such incidents in the future," Suderio said in the statement.
Maj. Gen. Gabriel C. Viray III, the commander of the 1st Infantry Division, congratulated the 102nd Infantry Brigade for this significant accomplishment.
"This operation marks a critical step towards dismantling the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee that will eventually allow unhampered delivery of basic services in all remote areas of Zamboanga Peninsula. I commend the bravery and dedication of the troops involved; your sacrifices and hard work have finally paid off." Maj. Gen. Viray III said.
Lt. Gen. William N. Gonzales, the commander of the Western Mindanao Command, commended the division for their relentless efforts in bringing justice and peace to the region.
"For too long, the insurgency has plagued the Zamboanga Peninsula, but justice has been served with the fall of Aprecia Rosete alias Bambam. This victory marks a significant milestone in our journey towards peace and stability, paving the way for sustainable regional development," Gonzales stated.
Rosete’s death will pave the way for dismantling WMRPC, the first crucial step towards sustainable development in the Zamboanga Peninsula and the province of Misamis Occidental, said the division further.
RELATED: Philippine communist assassin surrenders
EXCLUSIVE: ‘Foreign Islamic State spokesman - possibly Syrian - speaks from Mindanao’