BACOLOD City – A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed in a series of running gun battles in central Negros over the weekend.
Authorities identified the fatality as Joel Blasco, a member of the NPA’s Central Negros Front 1.
According to the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion (62IB), the initial gun battle took place in Barangay Imelda in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental at around 5:45 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5.
A 10-minute gun battle ensued between government forces and eight rebels.
As the NPA retreated, government forces recovered a loaded .45 pistol and two backpacks.
The Army pursued the rebels until Sitio Cansimba in Barangay Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental.
Another gun battle occurred. Blasco was killed while two others escaped.
Authorities recovered a .38 revolver, a fragmentation grenade, and the slain rebel’s belongings.
Blasco’s remains were positively identified by his family. (Watchmen Daily Journal)
