A SUSPECTED member of the New People's Army (NPA) was killed while a soldier was wounded following a series of encounters between government forces and the rebels in Sitio Nabuswangan and Sitio Magkaatip, Barangay Maniac, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental Sunday morning, the military said.
The identity of the slain rebel is being withheld pending notification to his family.
The injured soldier was identified as Private First Class Jennifer Carbajosa, who was slightly hit on the forehead. He is now in stable condition at a hospital,
Troops of 11th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Paulito Idul and First Lt. Chino Cornelio were conducting community security patrol in the area when about seven rebels, who are suspected members of the Central Negros Front, Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros, fired upon them.
A 20-minute firefight ensued.
At the NPA encampment, Army soldiers discovered a training area, makeshift structures, a kitchen, and a foxhole.
They recovered a KG-9 sub-machinegun, four backpacks containing subversive documents, training materials, assorted medicines, kitchen utensils, and personal belongings.
Before the encounter, village residents reported to the Army troopers the presence of armed men in the area.
“We appreciate the valuable information from the residents and we acted upon the call of the people to preserve the peace in their community,” said Col. Jon Aying, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade.