2 NPA rebels killed in southern Negros clash with troops
By Nanette Guadalquiver / Philippine News Agency
BACOLOD CITY – Some two communist-terrorists were killed in a firefight with troops of the Philippine Army’s 15th Infantry Battalion (15IB) in Barangay Bulwangan, Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental on Saturday.
A 15IB report released on Sunday identified the fatalities as alias “Michael/ Nonoy” and alias “Ken-ken”, believed to be fighters of Platoon 3, Southwest Front of the New People’s Army’s (NPA) Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor (KR-NCBS).
The rebels' cadavers were brought to Porras Funeral Homes located in the southern Negros town’s Purok IV, Barangay 1.
In a statement, Lt. Col. Erwin Cariño, commanding officer of the 15IB based in Barangay Tiling, Cauayan, said timely and accurate information provided by the locals enabled the government troops to act on the reported presence of the NPA rebels.
“The encounter is a clear result of the collaborative efforts between the government and the community,” Cariño said, adding that it also manifests the success and gains of the Army’s community support programs, and the expressed desire of the community to be free from the communist-terrorist group’s influence.
He also extended his condolences to the families of the two NPA terrorists who “lost their lives fighting for a lost cause”.
“With the help of the local government of Hinoba-an, we can assure assistance and decent burial of the deceased,” the Army official said.
After the 40-minute clash in Purok Yuring, Sitio Dash 7, soldiers recovered two .45 caliber pistols with magazines and ammunition, a hand grenade, extortion letters, subversive documents, cellular phones, and personal belongings. No casualties were recorded on the part of the government forces.
The Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the NPA, are listed as a terror group by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)