BACOLOD CITY – A New People’s Army (NPA) fighter was killed in a clash with government forces in Sitio Bajay, Barangay Caliling, Cauayan, Negros Occidental on Sunday, May 21.
The Army has yet to identify the slain rebel.
SOME of the war materiels recovered in Barangay Caliling, Cauayan, Negros Occidental, following a clash that killed an NPA rebel on Sunday, May 21. (Photo courtesy of 15th IB)
A report from the Army 15th Infantry Battalion (IB) said soldiers were conducting mobile community support sustainment operation in response to information they received about the alleged presence of fully armed men in the area when a five-minute firefight ensued.
The military recovered from the encounter site a .45 caliber firearm, an anti-personnel mine with detonating device and blasting cap, two magazines, ammunition, a backpack, and subversive documents.
No casualty was reported from civilians and government troops during the clash.
Lt. Col. Michael Cuarteros, 15th IB commander, extended his deepest sympathy to the family of the slain NPA rebel who was reportedly left behind by his comrades.
Cuarteros urged remaining NPA rebels to surrender or they will have to face the Army’s full might. “If you insist on inflicting terror to the populace you will have to face the Army’s full might – We will be your worst nightmare,” Cuarteros said.
The Army said the 15th IB and the local government are open to accepting all who are willing to go back to the fold of the government.
“Indeed, the community understands that real progress and development can only be achieved by ending local communist armed conflict,” Cuarteros said.