Two alleged New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in an encounter with government forces at Purok Yuring, Sitio Dash 7, Brgy Bulwangan in Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental, Saturday, April 17, Maj. Cenon Pancito, Philippine 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson, said Sunday, April 18.
The two were killed in a 40-minute firefight between the Army’s 15th Infantry Battalion and Platoon 3 of the KR-NCBS (Kilusang Rehiyon – Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor) Southwest Front, Pancito said.
The two fatalities identified as alias Micheal/ Nonoy, and alias Ken-ken, were brought to Porras Funeral Homes in Hinoba-an, he said.
“The relentless efforts of the soldiers forced the enemies to scamper in different directions, leaving their dead comrades behind”, Pancito said.
The government soldiers recovered two .45 caliber pistols with magazines and ammunition, a hand grenade, extortion letters, subversive documents, cellphones, and personal belongings, he said.
There were no casualties among the government forces, Pancito also said.
The 15IB soldiers were conducting Community Support Program sustainment operations in Hinoba-an and acted on a report of NPA presence in the area, he said.
“The NPA terrorists were on their recovery and extortion activities and are sowing fear in the previously cleared areas of Hinoba-an, which prompted the local populace to immediately report their presence in the community,” he added.
Lt. Col Erwin Cariño, 15IB commanding officer, thanked the residents of Sitio Yuring “for giving timely and accurate information on the presence and plans of the NPA terrorist in their locality.”
“The encounter is a clear result of the collaborative efforts made by the government and the community,” Cariño said.
“We extend our condolences to the bereaved families of the two NPA terrorists who lost their lives in fighting for a lost cost. With the help of the local government of Hinoba-an, we can assure the assistance and decent burial of the deceased,” Cariño added.*