Two alleged New People’s Army rebels were killed and firearms were seized in a clash with government forces in Siaton, Negros Oriental, on Christmas Eve, the Army said today, December 25.
Soldiers of the Army’s 11th Infantry (Lapu-Lapu) Battalion encountered remnants of the Southeast Front, Komiteng Rehiyon Negros, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor (SEF,KR–NCBS) at Sitio Libjo, Barangay Napacao, Siaton, at about 7:25 p.m. of December 24, Maj. Cenon Pancito, 3rd Division Public Affairs Office chief, said.
The encounter occurred after the government forces received reports from residents and officials of Barangay Napacao of their presence, Pancito added.
The encounter resulted in the recovery of the two bodies of the alleged rebels, a 5.56mm M653 Baby Armalite, and a .45 caliber pistol, he said.
Also recovered from the encounter site were subversive documents, a bandolier with two magazines of an M-14, a backpack with medical supplies, and two backpacks with personal belongings and medical paraphernalia, Pancito added.
Troops are still scouring the perimeter of the encounter, he added.
Lt. Col. Ramir Redosendo, 11th Infantry (Lapu-Lapu) Battalion commanding officer, thanked the barangay officials and residents for providing the necessary information that led to “the successful engagement with the NPA.”
This was also brought about by the intensified peace and security operations being undertaken through the Joint Enhanced Military and Police Operation, he added.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of those killed communist-terrorists. This could not have happened if the leaders of this communist-terrorist organization did not deceive and offer lies to its members,” Redosendo said.
Col. Leonardo Peña, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, called on the remaining members of the rebel movement “to lay down their arms and come back to the folds of the law to embrace the peace offered by the government and be reconciled with their families.”
“In this celebration of Christmas, we will appreciate you coming to us and we will help you join your family like your former comrades who are now happily celebrating the holidays with their loved ones,” he added.
Maj. Gen. Eric Vinoya, 3rd Infantry Division commander, said “The incident is unfortunate but necessary in protecting more of our kababayans from the terroristic activities of the CPP-NPA.”
He said the communist rebels “have two options, surrender or die fighting a lost cause.”*