One killed as soldiers clash with armed group

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

 

BACOLOD City – A man believed to be part of an armed group was killed in an armed encounter at Sitio Binadlan, Barangay Bi-ao, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental last Wednesday.

Major Cenon Pancito III, spokesperson of Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (ID), said troopers of the 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) were conducting combat patrol in the area, when they heard someone shouting “Ara na sila. Kamo bahala sa likod, kami na diri (They’re here. Take care of the rear, we will take charge here).”

This prompted the military troopers to be on alert for any eventuality. Gunshots were then heard, prompting the Army to retaliate, Pancito said.

The firefight lasted for 10 minutes until about 20 armed men fled from the site.

During the clearing at the encounter site, the Army found the lifeless body of Rico Pacolares, 44, of Barangay Santol, who was allegedly armed with a .38-caliber revolver.

They also recovered other war materials, including a .45-caliber pistol, a homemade shotgun, and two katanas.

Initially, the Army brought two persons for questioning but were later released after determining that they were not connected with the armed group.

Also, there were reports that the armed group were not members of the New People’s Army (NPA), but members of other armed groups operating in the area, Pancito said.

The 94th IB was tasked to further investigate the incident, while the 3rd ID will continue to direct all Army units for an intensified and relentless pursuit operation to fast track the clearing of enemy fronts operating in Negros, he said.

A day before the encounter with the armed group happened, the 94th IB engaged in a clash with suspected NPAs at Sitio Tigbao, Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City.

The military were in the middle of their security patrol following reports on the alleged presence of rebels conducting recruitment activities in the area when a five-minute firefight ensued.

No injuries were reported.

Recovered from the site were a .45-caliber pistol, six live ammunition, a pair of rainboots, and a cap.

Pancito said the Army acknowledged the persistent support and cooperation of the Negrenses by giving timely and accurate information about the movement and whereabouts of the NPAs.

“The recent encounter is a concrete proof that the Army alone can’t serve and protect its people without the help and vigilance of Negrenses,” he added.

For his part, Lieutenant Colonel Angelo Guzman, 94th IB commander, said the troopers’ continued vigilance and tenacity to crush terrorist activities at the grassroots are vital to our operations.

“Continued cooperation from local residents is a key to our success. This is just the beginning,” he added.