State troopers recovered firearms after a clash with six suspected New People’s Army rebels in Barangay Napacao, Siaton, Negros Oriental, on February 14.
Cpt. Francis Salcedo, information officer of the 11th Infantry Battalion (11IB) of the Philippine Army, said the rebels were believed to be remnants of Southeast Front, Komiteng Rehiyon Negros, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor (SEF, KR–NCBS).
The 11IB launched relentless focused military operations in response to reports of concerned residents on the armed group’s presence in the area, he said.
The firefight lasted for about 15 minutes, he said, adding that no casualty was reported on the government side and that bloodstains were also found on the withdrawal route of the rebel fighters.
Government troopers recovered a M-16 rifle, .45 caliber pistol, a laptop, five cellular phones, personal belongings, and subversive documents of high intelligence value from the encounter site.
Lt. Col. Ramir Redosendo, 11IB commander, expressed his gratitude to the community for providing timely information that led to the successful operation.
He added that the army is determined to end the local communist armed conflict in Negros Oriental.
“We will continue to safeguard the people and the community against those who continue to pursue their twisted ideology and sow terror,” he added.*