Army discovers another rebel hideout in Himamaylan

BACOLOD City – The Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) discovered another hideout of suspected New People’s Army (NPA) at Sitio Mabunga, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental last Monday, after two weeks of combat clearing operations.

Lieutenant Colonel Angelo Guzman, 94th IB commander, said that the third hideout could accommodate at least 100 persons and could possibly be used for training recruits.

It has three security outposts, battle positions, a noticeable formation area, makeshift classrooms, kitchen, barracks, and some improvised training facilities, he added.

A solar panel, training materials, and paraphernalia were also recovered.

It can be recalled that military troopers discovered the first NPA hideout on May 13 at Sitio Bunsad in the said village, where an improvised explosive device (IED) and AK-47 ammunition were recovered.

Ten days later, another hideout was also found at Sitio Lower Olitao in the said barangay, on May 23.

Colonel Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde), said that “these discoveries are indicative that Barangay Buenavista is frequented by the rebels. Such presence is detrimental to the progress of that barangay and consequently, of Himamaylan City as a whole.”