BACOLOD CITY – Eight New People’s Army rebels have been killed in encounters with the military in Barangay Gatuslao, Candoni, Negros Occidental last week.
A PRIEST blesses the remains of six New People’s Army rebels killed in an encounter with the military in Barangay Gatuslao, Candoni, Negros Occidental on Thursday, Nov. 21. (Photo courtesy Eric John Monserate Facebook)
READ: https://mb.com.ph/2024/11/22/death-toll-in-negros-occidental-encounter-rises-to-7
READ: https://mb.com.ph/2024/11/21/6-npa-rebels-killed-in-negros-occidental-clash-1
The Army 15th Infantry Battalion reported that they neutralized a remnant of the dismantled Southwest Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor during an intense pursuit operation on Friday following the encounter in the area on Thursday where seven communist rebels were killed.
The Friday firefight lasted for eight minutes and the military recovered a .45 caliber pistol, two improvised explosive devices (IEDs), two commercial radios, a bandolier, 16 backpacks, and subversive documents.
No casualties were reported on the government side and additional units were placed on alert to prevent any retaliatory actions by the feeling communist rebels.
The latest casualty was laid to rest on Sunday, Nov. 24, through the municipal government, Police Major Nelson Amsiwen Jr., Candoni police chief, said.
Lt. Col. Brian Bagaipo, acting 15th IB commander, said in a statement that this mission reflects their commitment to protecting the communities they serve.
The swift action of our troops and the cooperation of the community have dealt a significant blow to the NPA’s operations in the area, he said, stressing that “security is a shared responsibility.”
He commended the troops for their decisive action and underscored the significance of proactive operations in maintaining peace and security in its area of operations.