Rebel killed in clash with Army

By: Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – A suspected rebel was killed in an encounter between the military and New People’s Army (NPA) at the boundary of Barangay Carol-an in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental and upper Carol-an in Ayungon, Negros Oriental Saturday, July 13, 2019.

The fatality was identified as a certain “Ka Emjay”, an alleged squad leader of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) platoon of the NPA’s Central Negros Front.

The clash happened when troops of the 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB) responded to reports from local residents about the alleged extortion activities and presence of the rebel group at the area.

The military encountered about 15 armed men at the said area around 5 a.m. and engaged them in a fire fight for about 20 minutes. No casualties were reported on the government side.

Recovered during the encounter were an M16A1 rifle, an improvised explosive device, two improvised black bandolier, 237 rounds live ammunition of 5.56mm ball, two rifle grenades, 10 rounds live ammunition of 7.62mm ball (AK47), one round live ammunition of .40mm HE, a 30 cap aluminium mag assembly, three 20 cap aluminium mag assembly, subversive document with high intel value, four backpacks, and other personal belongings.

This is the fourth encounter between the government forces and CPP-NPA terrorists in just a span of three weeks in Negros island.