BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Troops of Regional Mobile Force Battalion of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 clashed with suspected insurgents of the New People’s Army (NPA) at Sitio Masapod in Barangay Nataban, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.
In a statement, the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office said the cops were conducting a routine patrol in the area when they encountered seven fully-armed NPA rebels early yesterday morning.
A seven-minute gun battle ensued until the rebels retreated to the southeast direction.
The police did not receive any casualties in the gunfight. They also weren’t able to confirm if they killed or wounded any NPA rebels.
However, the insurgents left behind several ammunitions belonging to an M16 assault rifle; an M1 Garand; and three 40mm grenades belonging to M203 grenade launcher.
Police also recovered two detonating cords, an NPA flag, an NPA cap, subversive materials, and the rebels’ personal belongings.
Both the police and Philippine Army conducted “hot-pursuit” operations against the rebels./PN
