An alleged New People’s Army (NPA) fighter died in an encounter with state troopers at Sitio Bugo, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City in Negros Occidental Wednesday afternoon, May 26.
Maj. Cenon Pancito III, Public Affairs Office chief of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, said the troops of the 94th Infantry Battalion encountered the rebels while they were conducting combat operations in response to reports of the community about the presence of about seven armed rebels in the area.
The firefight ensued for about 10 minutes, he said, adding that the rebels immediately withdrew towards the Cabadiangan creek.
No casualty was reported on the government side, he added.
Troops also seized a M1 carbine rifle, two .357 caliber pistols, and personal belongings from the encounter site.
Maj. Gen. Eric Vinoya, 3ID commander, attributed the successful military operation to the strong will of the peace-loving people, local government units, and local officials in protecting their community from the communists.
“The LGUs with the support of the local populace are now taking the lead in safeguarding their communities from the barbarities of these NPAs. They are very cooperative with our soldiers for they are longing for a peaceful Negros,” he said.
He added that the Army will be relentless in pursuing the NPA rebels until genuine peace is achieved and development is progressing.*