TWO communist rebels died in an encounter with members of the 15th Infantry (Molave Warrior) Battalion on Saturday, April 24, in Sitio Payranan, Barangay Pinggot, Ilog.
The incident happened just a week after the death of two members of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-New People’s Army (NPA) in Purok Yuring, Sitio Dash 7, Barangay Bulwangan, Hinoba-an, on April 17, 2021.
The military said the troops were conducting pursuit and clearing operations after the Hinoba-an encounter when they received reports from residents about the alleged wounded rebels involved in the previous clash.
The military said that while responding to the reports, they encountered more or less 10 armed members of Platoon 3 Southwest Front of Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor (KR-NCBS).
The firefight ensued and last for about 40 minutes, leaving two persons dead and an undetermined number of wounded on the part of the NPA and no casualties on the government side.
Seized from the encounter site were two bodies of NPA rebels, one Colt AR15 M16 rifle, one caliber 45 pistol, one 12-gauge homemade shotgun, one anti-personnel mine with blasting and detonating cap, three short magazines, assorted live ammunition, subversive documents and five backpacks.
"Slowly, we could feel the assurance and full support of the masses. Their continuous support through giving information about the activities and location of the communist-terrorists greatly contributed to the Army's effort in ending the local insurgency in Negros Island. The encounter also signified the declining influence and access of the NPAs in the communities," said Lieutenant Colonel Erwin Cariño, 15IB commanding officer.
"We called on the remaining NPAs to surrender now while you still have time. We know that you are tired and weary in fighting a lost and abused cause. The government is sincere, and is always ready to assist and help you if you return to the folds of the law and live a normal and productive life," Cariño added.