Soldier hurt in clashes with rebel group in Escalante

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — A soldier was injured in two encounters in separate sitios in Barangay Minautok, Escalante City, Negros Occidental, on Monday.

1st Lt. Fevie Fajardo, civil-military operations officer of the Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion, said the wounded soldier sustained a minor knee injury from shrapnel during the first encounter in Sitio Pininyahan at about 8:35 p.m.

Fajardo said the clash occurred after military troops received reports about the alleged presence of seven armed remnants of the dismantled Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros North Negros Front led by Roger Fabillar, also known as Arnel Tapang and Jhong.

She said another clash followed 10 minutes later in Sitio Proper, resulting in the recovery of firearms, ammunition and personal belongings.

Fajardo said 25 households were displaced and were temporarily staying in evacuation centers.

She said Tapang’s group was behind a series of killings in Toboso and Calatrava last year, as well as the killing of some civilians in Escalante City this year.

A bounty of PHP 1 million has been placed on Tapang over the killings in the northern part of the province.

Fajardo said the group wanted to recover its influence in the area, but the Army continues to educate residents against insurgency.

She said pursuit operations were ongoing.

Fajardo also admitted the challenge of tracking down Tapang’s group because its members allegedly use civilians as shields when confronted.

She said the recent encounters were legitimate operations, contrary to allegations by the New People’s Army denying the clashes.