Army clashes with ‘NPA remnants’ in Himamaylan

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) encountered suspected remnants of Central Negros 2 of the New People’s Army (NPA) (NPA) at Sitio Bulasot, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental yesterday.

According to the Army, the first clash broke out at around 8:15 a.m. after military troopers received intelligence reports from the villagers about the alleged presence of unidentified armed persons allegedly conducting extortion and harassment in the area.

The firefight lasted for about 10 minutes before the alleged NPA rebels fled north of the encounter site.

While the Army was conducting pursuit operations, a second encounter occurred at 9:33 a.m., which lasted for about five minutes.

These two clashes resulted in the recovery of firearms and subversive documents, according to the Army.

The Army has yet to provide other details related to the incident, as of this writing.

Lieutenant Colonel Van Donald Almonte, 94th IB commander, said that a pursuit operation is ongoing.

These twin clashes happened more than a week after six alleged NPA rebels were killed in a clash with the 47th IB at Sitio Lubi, Barangay Tabugon, Kabankalan City on September 21.