An alleged leader of the Central Negros 2 front of the New People’s Army was killed in an encounter with government soldiers in Sitio Cabagal, Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City, on Tuesday morning, December 2.
The military identified the fatality as Ruben Tingal, also known as “Marcos,” who was killed after a 15-minute gunbattle with troops of the 94th Infantry Battalion.
Lt. Col. Zeigfred Tayaban, battalion commander, said they launched the operation after receiving complaints from contractors and farmers who reported alleged extortion activities in the area during the peak of the sugarcane harvest.
Tayaban said five other rebels who were with Marcos are believed to have been wounded as pursuit operations continue in the upland barangay.
Government soldiers were unharmed and recovered an M-16 rifle, ammunition, grenades, a National Democratic Front flag, gadgets, subversive documents, and alleged extortion letters at the encounter site.
They also found what the military claims to be a “kill list” reportedly used by the rebel group.
The Army said it is already coordinating with the Himamaylan City government for the burial of Marcos, while clearing operations and an investigation are ongoing.*
[sibwp_form id=1]