Army, NPA Remnants Clash in Calatrava

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – A clash broke out between soldiers from the Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) and seven alleged remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Macasilao, Calatrava, Negros Occidental, on Wednesday.

Capt. Dan Carlo Samoza, civil-military operations (CMO) officer of the 79th IB, said disaster preparedness training was scheduled in the barangay as part of the Modified Community Sustainment Support Program (MCSSP).

However, soldiers responded to a tip from the community about the reported presence of NPA rebels in the area, leading to a seven-minute firefight just after 9 a.m.

Samoza reported that government forces were unharmed, though there were signs that the enemy suffered injuries, as bloodstains were found at the scene.

He could not confirm any casualties on the enemy’s side as a pursuit operation was ongoing.

Samoza added that the NPA remnants were attempting to reclaim the area and hinder the government’s efforts to promote peace and development.

As of this writing, no further details have been provided.