Rebel killed in Cauayan clash

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Another alleged member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in a clash with the Army in Negros Occidental, this time in Cauayan town yesterday.

The Army, however, has yet to identify the slain person.

According to the Army, troopers of the 15th Infantry Battalion (IB) responded to reports of alleged extortion activities in Barangay Caliling.

However, they encountered about 15 unidentified armed men believed to be NPAs at Sitio Bajay in the said village around 6:20 a.m.

The said slain rebel was believed abandoned by his comrades while escaping the encounter site, according to the Army.

Military troopers recovered a high-powered firearm.

Series of encounters were reported since March in the province, particularly in Himamaylan City, where five suspected NPAs were killed, including a couple, following reports of alleged extortion activities.

Meanwhile, the 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) awarded a soldier who got wounded in a clash with suspected NPAs in Barangay Caradio-an, Himamaylan City on April 14.

Brigadier General Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd IBde commander, confered a Wounded Personnel Medal to Corporal Reno Gicole of the 94th IB in a simple ceremony held at Mahalang Detachment in Barangay Mahalang, Himamaylan City last Monday.

In his message, Pasaporte lauded Gicole and all the military troopers under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Van Donald Almonte, battalion commander, for their commitment and dedication to duty especially in protecting the Negrenses against the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in the area.

“The risk of life while in the performance of duty reminds me of your strong commitment as a true warrior, fully committed to the ideals of the military profession,” Pasaporte said, as he urged them to continue to protect and serve the people of Himamaylan and the entire Negros Island.