The 62nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army prevented a possible disruption of government services in Central Negros after an encounter with members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in La Libertad town, Negros Oriental, of Friday, March 15.
The 62IB encounter with remnants of the NPA’s Central Negros 1 and Komiteng Rehiyon- Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor took place in barangays Aya and Talaon, the 303rd Infantry Brigade said in a press release Sunday.
Four NPA members engaged in a firefight with the 62IB soldiers for about three minutes, which resulted in the seizure of one 12-gauge shotgun with ammunition, fired cartridge cases for a shotgun, an M-16 rifle, some documents, and personal belongings.
The rebels were allegedly planning to disrupt ongoing socio-economic programs in Central Negros but were foiled due to heightened security measures.
The rebels then shifted their focus to La Libertad, where they were promptly intercepted by 62IB forces.
Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin, 303rd Brigade commander, urged the remaining NPAs to surrender with their firearms and avail of the government’s social integration program through the Enhanced Comprehensive Integration Program (E-CLIP) for them to start anew and live normal lives with their families.*