BACOLOD City – The Philippine Army’s 15th Infantry Battalion (15IB) overran a lair of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the hinterlands of Sipalay City, Negros Occidental.
Lt. Col. Michael Cuarteros, 15IB commander, said the encounter in Sitio Tunap, Barangay San Jose occurred past 3 p.m. on Saturday after reports of alleged extortion.
The skirmish lasted for roughly 10 minutes until the 15-man group believed to be from the NPA’s South West Front Platoon 3 withdrew.
Government forces confiscated a loaded .45 pistol, a homemade shotgun, mobile phones, medical paraphernalia, a transistor radio, a 200-meter electrical wire, jungle packs, subversive documents, and the rebels’ personal belongings.
Authorities also discovered blood stains on the rebels’ withdrawal route.
Cuarteros said the local community’s cooperation demonstrates their willingness to prevent the presence and resurgence of the armed group in their community.
Meanwhile, the City Social Welfare Development Office provided assistance to the displaced residents. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
