BACOLOD CITY – A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed in a clash with soldiers in Sitio Sug-ong, Barangay Milagrosa, Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental on Thursday, January 18.
ONE communist rebel was killed in an encounter with soldiers in Barangay Milagrosa, Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental on Thursday, January 18. (302nd IBde)
The gun battle erupted when the Army 11th Infantry Battalion (IB) was deployed in response to reports that nine remnants of dismantled South East Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor (KR-NCBS) were in the area.
The Army has yet to identify the fatality.
Recovered from the encounter site were an M16 rifle, three AK47 magazines, an M203 ammunition, and nine backpacks containing personal belongings.
The captured weapons and war materiel represent a significant blow to the capability of the NPA in Negros, further ensuring the security of the local community, the Army said.
Brig. Gen. Joey Escanillas, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade (IBde), said the success of the operation is a testament to the skill and bravery of soldiers and commended them for their professionalism and dedication.
We remain vigilant and resolute in our mission to protect the community from any potential harm, Escanillas said.
He said that they will continue their operations in pursuit of peace to pave the way for development in the area.
Escanillas urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to authorities, reinforcing the importance of community cooperation in maintaining peace and order.
Major Gen. Marion Sison, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division (ID), urged the people to continue working together to achieve the long-desired NPA-free Negros Island.
The encounter erupted a day after the 62nd IB also battled NPA rebels in Barangay Sag-ang, La Castellana, Negros Occidental on Wednesday, January 17, that resulted in the death of two communist fighters.