The Philippine Army said the alleged remnant of the New People’s Army (NPA) who was killed in an encounter with 94th Infantry Battalion (94IB) soldiers in Sitio Bugtangan, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, on Friday, June 6, had pending warrants of arrest.
Killed was Jun-Jun Benoy, alias Gringo, 24, of Sitio Ompocon, Barangay Mahalang, Himamaylan City, an alleged member of the NPA’s Squad 2 of the dismantled Central Negros 2 (CN2), Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor (KR-NCBS).
Recovered from the encounter site were an M-16 rifle and various personal belongings, the Army said.
Lt. Col. Ziegfred Tayaban, 94IB Commander, said that they conducted a military operation in the area after they received reports from residents on the presence of the rebels.
He said that the encounter happened after it was alleged that the rebels were planning to kill and banish some people who were not supporting their cause in the area, and to conduct extortion activities.
The government troopers engaged about five members of CNF-2 in an about 5-minute encounter that resulted in the killing of Benoy, the 94IB reported.
Tayaban also said that Benoy has pending warrants of arrest for frustrated murder, murder, and other charges.
He added that they are waiting for the victim’s family to coordinate with them so he can be given a decent burial.*