Army identifies ‘SParU’ killed in clash

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) has identified the alleged member of the Special Partisan Unit (SParU) of the New People’s Army (NPA) who was killed in an encounter with military troopers at Sitio Icugan, Barangay Minapasuk, Calatrava, Negros Occidental last Tuesday.

The Army, through Barangay Captain Johnny Guilot, identified the fatality as Jhonrey Pahayahay, an alleged SParU member of the Northern Negros Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros.

The SParU — formerly named as the Sparrow Unit — is the alleged assassination unit of the NPA that was linked to high-profile killings.

Pahayahay has been reportedly recruiting members to join his group while conducting extortion activities and sowing fear to the local populace, according to the Army, based on the statement of the village official.

Earlier, Captain Cenon Pancito III, spokesperson of 3rd Infantry Division (ID), said that the casualty was believed to be a member of a new lawless element group in the area.

The clash occurred while the soldiers were conducting security operation, following reports from concerned civilians about the presence of unidentified armed men in the area.

The firefight lasted for about five minutes, with no casualties on the government side.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel J-jay Javines, 79th IB commander, said they will not put their guards down and allow these terrorists to continue to sow fear to the local populace.

For her part, Mayor Marilyn Era, in a statement, lauded the Philippine Army for its commitment and dedication on ensuring the safety of the people and for the quick response to the reports of the residents.