Romeo Nanta who used the nom de guerre Juanito Magbanua was killed in an encounter in Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on October 10, 2022. His death is a big blow to the CPP/NPA/NDF.
Nanta is the spokesperson of the Communist Terrorist Group's Apolinario Gatmaitan Command and Commanding Officer of the Regional Operational Command of the NPA units operating in Negros Island and the entire Central Visayas region. He is directly responsible for all the crimes committed by NPA members under his command. He has existing warrants of arrest for rebellion, robbery-in-band, and attempted and frustrated murder.
Aside from losing its propagandist, Nanta’s death leaves a leadership vacuum in said NPA Command that will result in the demoralization and disintegration of its members. The AFP expects that the death of Nanta will mean a more secure and peaceful Negros Island.
Meanwhile, the AFP leadership commends the troops of the 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army under the leadership of Major General Benedict Arevalo for their firm resolve and relentless efforts to bring peace to the whole Central and Western Visayas Regions.///
