NPA rebel killed in Ayungon clash

A SUSPECTED member of the New People's Army ( NPA) was killed in an encounter between the rebels and troops belonging to the 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Philippine Army around 5:00 a.m. Saturday, July 13 at the boundary of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental in Sitio Niasan, Barangay Carol-an, Ayungon.

Based on army's report, the firefight between the two forces lasted for about 20 minutes.

Recovered during the encounter are; one M16A1 Rifle ELISCO; one Improvised Explosive Device (IED); ten pieces trip wires; two improvised black Bandolier; 237 rounds of live ammunition 5.56mm ball; two pieces rifle grenades, ten rounds of live ammunition of AK47; one round of live ammunition of 40mm HE; one 30 cap aluminium Magazine Assembly; three 20 cap Magazine Assembly; medicine kits with medicines; subversive documents with high intel value; four Backpacks and personal belongings.

There was no casualty on the government side, the military said.

The encounter happened after the 62IB received information from a concerned citizen regarding presence of armed group roaming around the area and forcibly asking extortion money to the local residents.

ìThis is a manifestation that the local residents are now pissed off of the abuses typically done by the Communist-NPA-Terrorist group after conducting extortion activities. Likewise, the troops of this unit decisively and timely acted upon the said information that resulted to successful recoveries,î said Lieutenant Colonel Egberto Dacoscos, commanding officer of the 62nd IB.

He added that the people are now aware of the wrong doings of the said communist group that disturbs them from living a peaceful way.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the one who was killed during the encounter. It is tragic that he has taken arms against the Filipino nation when the Filipino people understand that only through peace can development and social justice be attained," he added.

Dacosco also assured the public that the Army will continue to protect the people of Negros and will put an end to CPP-NPA's terroristic activities. He also urges the public to continuously support the Army by immediately reporting any presence of terrorist armed group in their respective areas.