Two alleged rebels were killed in an encounter with state troopers at Sitio Payranan in Barangay Pinggot, Ilog, Negros Occidental, on Saturday, April 24.
The troops were conducting pursuit and clearing operations following the Hinoba-an encounter on April 17 that left two rebels dead when they received reports from residents about the presence of wounded members of the New People’s Army in the area.
After responding to the reports, the soldiers of the 15th Infantry (Molave Warrior) Battalion encountered around 10 members of the NPA’s Platoon 3 Southwest Front of Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor (KR-NCBS).
A firefight ensued for about 40 minutes that left two alleged rebels dead while no casualties were reported on the government side, an Army press release said.
Also recovered from the encounter site were one Colt AR15 M-16 rifle, a .45 caliber pistol, 12-gauge homemade shotgun, 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 NPA in the communities,” Lt. Col Erwin Cariño, 15IB commanding officer, said.
He called on the rebels to surrender “while you still have time.”
“We know that you are tired and weary 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.
Col. Leonardo Peña, 302nd Brigade commander, said he recognizes the collaborative participation of the community “for the accurate and timely information that they provided to our soldiers.”*