BACOLOD CITY – Six New People’s Army rebels were killed in an encounter with the military before dawn on Thursday, Nov. 21, in Barangay Gatuslao, Candoni, Negros Occidental.
Brig. Gen. Joey Escanillas, 302nd Infantry Brigade chief, said the gun battle erupted when troops of the 47th Infantry Battalion and the 15th IB responded to a report on the presence of armed men in the area at 3:40 a.m.
Escanillas said the casualties have yet to be identified as police are conducting an investigation of the encounter.
He said that soldiers encountered at least 10 members of the Southwest Front of the Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor (KR-NCBS).
Recovered in the encounter site were eight high-powered firearms – five M16 rifles, two AK-47 rifles, and one M653 rifle.
The clash lasted for about 45 minutes and there were no casualties on the government side.
The campaign against communist rebels in Negros Island continues without letup.
“Our fight against the remnants of the NPA in Negros is an ongoing effort,” said Major Gen. Marion Sison, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division.
He warned remaining communist guerrillas that their continued path of violence will only lead to a tragic end.
"We will not tire of urging you to abandon this path of armed struggle. There is still time to choose a peaceful way where you can have a fresh start,” Sison said.