A SUSPECTED member of the Special Partisan Unit (SPARU) of the New People's Army (NPA) was killed in an encounter against the troops of 62nd Infantry “Unifier” Battalion in Sitio Pitik Pitik, Brgy Luz, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on June 4, 2021.
The killed SPARU was identified as Randy Tapales, who has two murder cases, according to the records of PNP Guihulngan City.
The troops of 62nd Infantry “Unifier” Battalion were on security patrol when they encountered more or less five Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) believed to be members of SPARU unit.
The firefight lasted for 5 minutes which also resulted in the recovery of one Caliber .357 revolver, one Cal. 45, one hand grenade, three Magazines of Cal. 45, 25 pieces CTG Cal. 45 ball, one .357 revolver, and four pieces CTG .357 ball the military report said.
No casualties from the government side were reported.
The military report also said Tapales was involved in various killings in Guihulngan City including 62IB personnel late Corporal Mark Anthony Quiocson who was mercilessly killed in Brgy Luz last July 1, 2020, CAA Mico Dinoy who was killed at Sitio Mansalahid, Brgy Luz last January 28, 2021, and two civilian Swine Traders namely Jemer Pondador and Romeo Dunggoan from Brgy Pacuan, La Libertad, Negros Oriental who were killed at Sitio Mandi-e, Brgy Magsaysay last July 21, 2020.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Melvin Flores, Commanding Officer, 62nd Infantry Battalion said, “We would like to extend our sincerest sympathies and condolences to the family of the killed NPA. Another life was wasted because of the NPAs deception and lies. However, justice was also served to the families who were victims of this communist terrorist hitman. Again, we appeal to the remaining members of the NPA to lay down their arms and surrender. Embrace the programs offered by our government and live peacefully with your families or you will face the same fate. The unifier troopers will tirelessly hunt you anywhere.” ( TDE)