Army seize firearms from Negros Oriental ‘rebels’

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

 

BACOLOD City – Military troopers of the 11th Infantry Battalion (IB) recovered firearms following a clash with suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) at Sitio Balaskan, Barangay Napacao, Siaton, Negros Oriental last Sunday.

The 11th IB launched relentless Focused Military Operations (FMOs) in response to reports from some concerned residents on the alleged armed group’s presence in the area.

However, they encountered six unidentified armed men believed to be remnants of the Southeast Front, Komiteng Rehiyon Negros, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor (SEF, KR – NCBS) that resulted to a 15-minute firefight.

According to the Army, no casualty was reported on the government side, while an undetermined number of casualties from the enemy side were reported due to the bloodstains seen in their withdrawal route.

Recovered from the encounter site were an M16 rifle, a .45 caliber pistol, laptop, five cellular phones, personal belongings, and subversive documents containing high intelligence value.

Last year, the military troopers also reportedly encountered the same remnants at Sitio Libjo, Barangay Tayak, Siaton town on December 24, that resulted to the death of two rebels.

Lieutenant Colonel Ramir Redosendo, 11th IB commander, thanked the community for providing timely information that led to the successful operation. “Another win for the government forces and Negrosanons, he said.