Four suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) died in a clash with the state troopers at Sitio Amelis, Brgy. Santol, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental on Wednesday, July 6.
The Army said residents tipped them off regarding the presence of the armed rebels in the area. The group were said to be involved in the ambush of the police in Binalbagan early this year.
Troops of the 94th Infantry Battalion responded to the tip that resulted to a three-minute firefight with the rebels belonging to the Central Negros 2 (CN 2) Front.
Three males and one female were killed, the Army said.
Recovered from the encounter site were war materials including an M-16 rifle with M203 grenade launcher, a M-16 rifle, M-14 rifle and a. 45 caliber pistol and personal belongings.
Pursuit operations were conducted against the fleeing rebels.
Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said that the Army and the police in Negros are in control of the situation.
“I am also commending the quick action of the locals in the area showing their concern for the peace and order of their community as they reported the presence of the terrorist NPAs,” he added.*