Army verifies report of 2 ‘missing’ persons in Manapla clash

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) is checking reports of two persons reported missing following a clash with suspected New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay San Pablo, Manapla, Negros Occidental last Thursday.

A report claimed that a man, whose house was allegedly involved in the clash after some slain suspected NPAs were found inside, and his neighbor were reported missing.

Colonel Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd IBde commander, said on Sunday that they have checked with the 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) and the police if such information was reported that day.

But Pasaporte said there was no official report about the alleged missing residents.

Pasaporte said they were only informed about an elderly resident who was allegedly threatened by suspected NPA rebels in the area.

Despite this, Pasaporte said they will continue to check with the authorities the veracity of the information.

Four suspected NPA rebels, including a high-ranking official were killed in an encounter with the 79th IB in the said village when the soldiers responded to a report of alleged extortion in the area on September 30.

On October 1, Major General Benedict Arevalo, commander of 3rd Infantry Division (ID), assisted by Pasaporte conferred 16 military troopers at the 79th IB headquarters in Barangay Bato, Sagay City, for their gallantry and heroic acts during the encounter against 10 armed men believed to be the remnants of the dismantled Northern Negros Front.

Arevalo encouraged the 79th IB to continue striving for excellence and high degree of professionalism in support of the local government units and other government agencies to attain just and lasting peace and development in northern Negros.

“Note that we in the higher headquarters do not let your meritorious achievements go unnoticed. Hopefully, this will encourage everyone to perform better and faster,” Arevalo said.