A suspected member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in an encounter with state troopers at Sitio Bajay, Brgy Caliling, Cauayan, Negros Occidental, on Tuesday, April 19.
Killed was 62-year-old Celso Tribunalo, alias Larry, Jimlo and Greg, a NPA squad leader of the Southeast Front.
He was among the 10 rebels of the NPA Southwest Front who figured in a firefight with 15t Infantry Battalion soldiers that lasted for about 15 minutes.
Troops of 15IB were conducting combat operations in the town when they were tipped of the presence of armed rebels in the community.
The firefight led to the death of one rebel and the recovery of one M-14 rifle with magazines, ammunition, other war materials and personal belongings.
“We are saddened by another life wasted because of the senseless armed revolution of CPP-NPA terrorists. Thus, we are again calling to the other members of the terrorist group to surrender now, while they still have a chance”, said Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 3rd Infantry Division commander, said.*