NPA rebel killed in Cauayan clash

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – An alleged member of the dismantled South West Front, Komiteng Rehiyon – Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor (SWF KR-NCBS), was killed in a clash with government forces at Sitio Pasto, Purok 5, Barangay Basak, Cauayan, Negros Occidental, last Monday.

The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (ID) identified the fatality as Ramon Moico Enseniales, 64, also known by the aliases “Art” or “Bugtong,” of Barangay Tambad. His identity was confirmed by his wife.

A two-minute encounter broke out around 11:42 a.m. while troopers of the 15th Infantry Battalion (IB) were conducting a community security patrol in response to a reported presence of NPA rebels in the area.

Police responded to probe the crime scene.

Recovered from the encounter site were a homemade shotgun with eight live rounds of ammunition, an empty shell, two hand grenades, three cellular phones, a power bank, subversive documents, and a black sweatshirt printed with “PKP @50.”

No casualties were reported on the government side, according to the Army.

In his statement, Lieutenant Colonel Brian Bagaipo, 15th IB commander, said, “This calls for the attention of NPA rebels to surrender to the government for the sake of themselves, their families, and the country.”

“While we persist in taking on the remnants of the dismantled front through military operations, we also immerse in communities to help facilitate the surrender of the remaining rebels,” Bagaipo said. He vowed to continue without ceasing to prevent the resurgence of these threats in localities.

Bagaipo noted that the eagerness of the people to inform the Army about NPA activities is concrete evidence of the dwindling rebel influence in communities.

“We encourage our dearest constituents to continue assisting us in disrupting the efforts of the remaining terrorists who are wreaking havoc in our communities. Our collective endeavors will help this province achieve sustainable peace and development,” he added.

A total of 42 NPA rebels were neutralized by various units of the 3ID in Western and Central Visayas this year. Of these, 21 were from Negros Island and 21 from Panay.

Among them, 16 were killed in encounters, 24 surrendered, and two were arrested or captured.

Meanwhile, the Armando Sumayang Jr. Command-NPA Southwest Negros Guerilla Front, in a statement dated July 31, condemned the death of Enseniales.

The rebel group, through its spokesperson Ka Andrea Guerrero, said Enseniales was not a member of the NPA but a civilian and a farmer.