THE Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) filed five cases against three suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who were arrested following an encounter with government troops in Sitio Balik-balik, Barangay Tabu, Ilog town Negros Occidental Tuesday, September 14, 2021.

Charges for violation of Republic Act (RA) 9516 or Unlawful Possession of Explosives and RA 10591 or Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition were filed against Ronel Evangelista Bordago and Joebel Pacondo Mabayag, Police Colonel Romy Plague said.

Plague, who is the provincial director of Nocppo, said a case for violation of RA 9516 or illegal possession of firearms, ammunition or explosives was also filed against Nilda Bertulano, the alleged secretary of the South West Front- Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros.

Bertulano’s case is non-bailable, he said.

As this developed, Plague congratulated the members of the 6th Special Action Battalion of Special Action Force, 15th Infantry Battalion of 3rd Brigade Philippine Army and 2nd Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company for the successful operation of liberating the residents of Sitio Balik-balik, Barangay Tabu, Ilog against NPA terrorism.

"We offer our prayers for the fast recovery of residents against trauma caused by this firefight which only happened because of the NPA presence in the area," Palgue added.