BACOLOD CITY - A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was found dead, following an encounter with troops of the Army 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB) in Sitio Calambia, Barangay Trinidad, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on Monday, August 17.
The 3rd Infantry Division (ID) identified the fatality as Cristito Nilles Sr., alias Dagohoy, an alleged member of Squad 2 and acting secretary of Section Guerilla Unit 3 of the dismantled Central Negros 1 (CN1).
Based on a report from the 3ID released on Tuesday, August 18, the encounter broke out when military troopers were fired upon by NPA remnants while conducting security operations in response to reports of the group’s suspected armed elements in the area.
Nilles was reportedly wounded during a five-minute firefight and was reportedly abandoned by his comrades in Sitio Uyangan, Barangay Budlasan, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental.
Military troopers recovered his remains during subsequent pursuit and clearing operations.
Government forces also recovered an M16 rifle, three long magazines, ammunition, and personal belongings from the encounter site.
Major General Joey Escanillas, 3ID commander, commended the troops and the community for their vigilance.
He continue to call on the remaining NPA rebels to abandon armed struggle, embrace peace, and return to their families, assuring them of government assistance.