BACOLOD CITY — Police reported another casualty in the encounter between suspected New People’s Army (NPA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) - 6th Special Action Force Battalion (6SAB) at Barangay Tabu, Ilog, Negros Occidental on Tuesday.
Police Lt. Col. Ryan Manongdo, 6SAB commander, said that one of the three wounded rebels identified as Christian Vargas passed away while being transported to a hospital that day.
The intense firefight occurred while the 6SAB was at the area, and by chance, crossed paths with the unidentified armed men believed to be NPAs. It resulted to the death of three more alleged rebels.
One of the slain rebels was identified as Joel Fundador, while the two others have yet to be identified, Manongdo said.
Manongdo said that Nilda Bertulano, an alleged secretary of the Southwest Front, and another man were among the wounded rebels during the firefight. Both are confined at a hospital.
Manongdo said the firefight lasted for about an hour, but no civilians were harmed.
Authorities recovered two M16 rifles, an AK47, other firearms, ammunition, and personal belongings.
Manongdo said that nine individuals who were caught near the encounter site were held for investigation.
But only one of them was reportedly confirmed to have direct participation in the encounter.