BACOLOD CITY -- A soldier and two alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in an encounter in Hacienda Remunda, Barangay Kapitan Ramon, Silay City, Negros Occidental Friday, Aug. 20.
Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade, said the soldier, whose name was withheld, passed away in a hospital, while the two rebels have yet to be identified.
Major Cenon Pancito III, spokesperson of the 3rd Infantry Division (ID), said troops of the 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) responded to the area around 6 a.m. to confirm reported sightings of the NPA.
While the troops were conducting strike operations, they figured in a 35-minute firefight with about 10 unidentified armed men, Pancito added.
These armed men were believed to be remnants of the Northern Negros Front.
Pancito said that these remnants were said to have shifted into political works like recruitment and extortion, but they are not anymore capable to do tactical offensives, considering that the NNF has been dismantled.
Pancito said that no evacuation was made, as the clash happened far from the residential area, although there were about three houses near the encounter site.
Pancito said that one of the two NPA casualties -- a young woman, was found abandoned in a house.
Military recovered an M16 with bandolier, a backpack, cellular phones, and hammock.
Neighboring police stations were alerted following the clash. Clearing operation is ongoing.
Meanwhile, Pancito said the family of the slain soldier has yet to be informed about the incident.