NPA rebel slain in Kabankalan clash identified

AUTHORITIES have already identified the suspected member of the New People's Army (NPA) insurgent who was killed in the encounter that took place over the weekend at Upper Carol-an, Kabankalan City.

Authorities said the alleged rebel was Joseph Pacheco, 22, and a resident of Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

Pacheco's remains were positively identified by his own mother Julita, based on a "burn scar" in his body.

Pacheco was killed last Saturday after his group got into a gun battle with elements of the 62nd Infantry Battalion (62IB) in the mountainous area between Kabankalan and Ayungon town in Negros Oriental.

62IB commander, Lt. Colonel Egberto Dacoscos, said they visited the area after receiving complaints regarding rebels reportedly spreading propaganda material and extorting money from local residents.

A clash between the two sides ensued for at least half an hour until the insurgency group were forced to retreat and scattered in different directions.

Government forces recovered an M16 assault rifle, two grenades, an improvised explosive device, assorted ammunition, and the rebels’ personal belongings.

Dacoscos also confirmed the rebel unit in question were members of the NPA Central Negros Front, who were responsible for the recent attacks in Himamaylan City and Kabankalan City.