FOUR suspected rebels died after they figured in an encounter with the government forces in Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, on Wednesday, March 1.
The clash also wounded a soldier, and displaced 81 families, or 355 individuals.
Troops of the Philippine Army's 94th Infantry Battalion encountered 20 alleged members of the New People’s Army during a combat operation in the area as they responded to the reported extortion activities in the community.
According to the statement of the Army, the operating troops were fired upon by the rebels, which prompted them to fire back.
The 20-minute firefight resulted in the deaths of four suspected NPA rebels, and the seizure of six high-powered firearms.
Recovered were two M16 rifles with M203 attachment, two AK-47s, four M203 grenade launcher ammunition, four bandoliers, one hand grenade, two long M16 magazines, two short M16 magazines, six AK-47 magazines, one unserviceable AK-47 magazine, nine backpacks, one compass, two flashlights, assorted ammunition, assorted medicines, food, and other subversive documents.
WOUNDED
Colonel Orlando Edralin, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, pinned the Wounded Personnel Medal to the injured soldier in a hospital in Bacolod.
The medal is awarded to personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines who are injured while in combat with an enemy. It symbolizes risk of life, honor, nobility, and devotion to duty.
Edralin lauded the efforts of the 94th Infantry Battalion, led by Lieutenant Colonel Van Donald Almonte, who efficiently carry out their duty to protect the people of Barangay Carabalan in Himamaylan City and other parts of central Negros.
Almonte expressed his sincere sympathies to the bereaved families of the deceased NPA rebels.
He emphasized that this operation is a clear demonstration of the government's unwavering commitment to resolving the country's long-standing insurgency problem in Himamaylan.
He said the 94IB is resolute in its mission to safeguard the people's welfare and uphold the rule of law in central Negros.
"Our battalion assures the NPA rebels that they will face the consequences of their actions. We will continue our unrelenting combat operations to send a strong message that we are determined in our fight against communist terrorist rebels. Their only choice is to be killed in an encounter, jailed when captured, or to surrender for a chance at a peaceful life with their loved ones," he added.
The new commander of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, Brigadier General Marion Sison, lauded the collaboration of the 94IB and the local populace that resulted in a major setback for the NPA in Negros.
Sison urged the remaining NPAs who are still waging the senseless armed struggle to surrender peacefully to regain their future and avoid death.
"We will not allow you to continue harming our people. Expect relentless and intensified military operations in the coming days and weeks, for we are determined to protect Negrenses from your atrocities. Despite this, we are still offering you peace to start a new life with your family, but if you insist on doing terrorism, we can be your worst nightmare," said Sison.
Meanwhile, the 81 displaced families in the barangay were residents of Sitio Canagbaan, Da-at, Florete, and Cabalungan.
They temporarily took shelter at Barangay Carabalan covered court.*