A SUSPECTED New People's Army member died while two others, including a soldier, were wounded yesterday dawn in a clash between the military and rebels in the outskirts of Escalante City, Negros Occidental.
Maj. Ray Tiongson, spokesperson of 3rd Infantry Division, said the encounter broke out at 4:50 a.m. while soldiers were conducting a security patrol in Sitio Madrak, Barangay Dianay.
Troops from 62nd Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division and Philippine Army were attacked by the rebels that resulted in a firefight.
The clash lasted for 15 minutes and led to the death of Danilo Amar, 29, of Tibway, Antique and wounding of Romly Palotes, 24, of Sipalay City, Negros Occidental.
Wounded
The firefight also wounded 1LT John Rey Espinosa, a member of the Philippine Army. The victims were brought to the Marañon District Hospital in Barangay Bato, Sagay City for treatment.
Soldiers recovered a .45 pistol, empty shells of M16 rifle and a flashlight in the area.
“Other troops were already sent to pursue the fleeing rebels,” Tiongson said.
Lt. Col. Rommel Cordova, commanding officer of the 62nd Infantry Battalion, is coordinating with the local officials of Barangay Dianay to ensure the safety of the residents in the area. He is also calling the attention of the family of the slain combatant.
Armed men
Before the encounter, the 62nd Infantry Battalion sent bayanihan teams to help the local government units of Calatrava, Toboso and Escalante City in identifying the needs of their constituents living in hinterland barangays. During their stay in the areas, they received information from concerned citizens regarding the presence of armed rebels who asked for food from households.
During the interview, Tiongson said military is committed to stamp out the insurgency problem in Negros Occidental.
In May, Negros Oriental was declared “conflict-manageable and development-ready” by authorities after several years of combined efforts of government forces in fighting insurgency.