By Nanette Guadalquiver | Philippine News Agency
Operating battalions of the Philippine Army vowed to ensure peace for communities in southern Negros after their series of encounters with New People’s Army’s (NPA) rebels in Candoni, Negros Occidental late last week.
According to military reports on Monday, eight insurgents died, while none among the soldiers was injured or killed during the gunbattles between remnants of the South West Front and troops of the 47th and 15th Infantry Battalions (IB) in Barangay Gatuslao on Nov. 21 and 22.
In a statement, 47IB Commander Lt. Col. Magno Mapalad III said their unit “remains committed to protecting the people, respecting human rights, and fostering lasting peace in the conflict-affected areas.”
“We urge the remaining NPA members to surrender and return to their respective families. The government is ready to support those who seek to reintegrate into society and pursue a peaceful life,” he added.
On Nov. 21, security patrol operations of the 47IB and 15IB troops in Sitio Cogon led to an encounter with about 10 NPA remnants, seven of whom died during the 40-minute gunbattle.
After the clash, the soldiers seized eight high-powered firearms, including five M-16 armalite rifles, 2 AK 47 rifles, and an M653 “baby” armalite.
Only one of the seven fatalities was claimed by family members, while the six others, who remained unidentified, were buried a day after the encounter through the initiative of the 47IB and the municipal government.
During the pursuit operations on Nov. 22, 15IB troops clashed anew with the NPA remnants, resulting in the death of another insurgent in Sitio Soso.
They also found the rebels’ hideout and recovered a caliber.45 pistol, two improvised explosive devices, two hand-held radios, a bandoleer, and 16 backpacks, among other items.
In a separate statement, Lt. Col. Brian Bagaipo, acting commanding officer of the 15IB, said through the operation, they aim to “secure the communities and promote lasting peace and development in southern Negros.”
“This mission reflects our commitment to protecting the communities we serve. The swift action of our troops and the cooperation of the community have dealt a significant blow to the communist rebels’ operations in the area,” he added.
