The Philippine Army on Monday confirmed the deaths of three alleged high-ranking leaders of the New People’s Army following an encounter in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on 21 March.

In a statement, the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division identified those killed as Ritchie Verano, also known as “Makoy” and “Akiro,” vice commander of the Regional Striking Force; Milky Sampini, alias “Gorting,” finance and logistics officer; and Joedil Balsimo, alias “Junjun” or “Cairo,” squad leader.