Two Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army rebels were killed in a series of encounters with the Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Macagahay, Moises Padilla town in Negros Occidental on Tuesday, June 13, the 303rd Infantry Brigade reported.
The 62nd Infantry Battalion soldiers, acting on information from a civilian, launched combat operations and encountered about six remnants of the NPA at Brgy Macagahay, which resulted in an about 20-minute firefight.
As the rebels attempted to escape, another 15-minute firefight ensued when they encountered the blocking troops of 62IB at Sitio Cupad in Barangay Macagahay. Another platoon of the 62IB also engaged the retreating rebels in a third clash in Sitio Mantauyan, also in Barangay Macagahay, the 303rd IB reported.
The soldiers then discovered the lifeless bodies of two rebels who were abandoned by their fleeing comrades, it added.
The encounter sites also yielded a significant cache of weapons and equipment, including a M-16 rifle, 12-Gauge shotgun, .38 caliber revolver, four short magazine assemblies for M-16 rifles, ammunition, a rifle grenade, two bandoliers, binoculars, personal belongings and subversive documents.
The 303rd IB has recorded 25 encounters since January that have resulted in 25 NPA rebels killed and 67 high and low powered firearms seized.
BGen. Orlando Edralin, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, “expressed his appreciation for the tireless efforts of the 62IB troops, which led to the neutralization of two NPAs and the seizure of firearms and other military equipment”.
“The successful anti-insurgency operation carried out by our troops is a testament to the unwavering support and vigilance of the Negrenses. With their backing, we are resolute in bringing this terrorist organization to its downfall,” Edralin said.*