BACOLOD CITY -- Ten New People's Army (NPA) rebels have been killed in the encounter with the Army 3rd Infantry Division (ID) after two more bodies were found Wednesday in Sitio Agit, Barangay Trinidad, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.
The Army has yet to release the names of the 10 rebel casualties, who were among the 40 individuals believed to be members of the SDG platoon and SYG platoon of Central Negros 1, Komiteng Rehiyon Negros, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor (KR-NCBS) that engaged troops of the 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB) in a three-hour gunfight.
Major Cenon Pancito III, 3rd ID spokesperson, said the bodies were found near the clash site Wednesday night during clearing operations.
Pancito said that two NPA rebels were also arrested after they were caught hiding in a vegetated area outside the encounter site. One of them was wounded, he added.
Both have been already turned over to the local police.
Pancito said the local police will determine the charges to be filed against them.
Meanwhile, Pancito said that residents who evacuated during the clash have returned to their houses, but there are those especially living at Sitio Agit who have yet to return to their homes.
Further, personnel of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) and the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) bssed here have been reminded to stay vigilant and be ready for any eventualities in the upcoming Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA anniversary on March 29.
Although there was no rebel threat monitored in the province, Police Lt. Abegael Donasco, Negros Occidental police deputy information officer, said that personnel of police stations in high-risk areas were advised not to lower their guards and to strengthen their monitoring.
The provincial police force was also reminded to never post anything on social media on real time as the enemies are just waiting for opportunities to strike.