Security tightened after Calatrava clash with NPA rebels

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region has deployed additional personnel following an armed encounter between police and suspected New People’s Army rebels in Sitio Kabalagnan, Barangay Lalong, Calatrava, Negros Occidental, on Sunday.

Additional maneuver companies were placed on standby to provide reinforcement when necessary.

A Scout Platoon and another team were also deployed in the area.

A staff member of the Department of the Interior and Local Government and a barangay captain were safe after personnel of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-Negros Island Region secured the area when unidentified armed persons opened fire at them, police said.

The RMFB-NIR personnel were providing security assistance to the two officials, who attended an activity in the village.

A Quick Reaction Team from the same unit immediately responded to the area and extracted the operating team, with no reported injuries.

Recovered from the encounter site were broken pieces of a 5.56 mm rifle, which are subject to further examination and documentation as part of the ongoing investigation.

The RMFB-NIR closely coordinated with the Calatrava Municipal Police Station and the Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion, based in Barangay Tigbon, Calatrava, to strengthen area security and sustain pursuit and monitoring operations.

The PRO-NIR assured the public that appropriate operational and investigative measures are being undertaken in coordination with partner security forces.

The regional office encouraged the public to remain calm, refrain from spreading unconfirmed reports, and rely only on official statements issued by legitimate authorities.

“We remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of our communities,” the PRO-NIR stated.

The New People’s Army is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines and has operated in parts of Negros Island for decades.

The encounter happened nearly two months after a deadly clash between government troops and suspected NPA rebels in Barangay Salamanca in neighboring Toboso town on April 19.

The April 19 clash left 19 suspected NPA rebels dead, including Roger Fabillar Tapang, an alleged hitman and leader of the dismantled Northern Negros Front, according to military and police reports.