Two alleged rebels in Binalbagan clash arrested

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Two suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were arrested following a clash with the Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Santol, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental last Tuesday.

In a press release of the 94th IB, the Army identified the arrested persons as George Esoy, and Eduardo Estrada, both residents of Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental. They are believed to be members of the NPA’s Central Negros Front 1.

Lieutenant Colonel Angelo Guzman, 94th IB commander, said the operation was launched when the alleged presence of the armed rebels was confirmed following calls for help from the residents of the said village.

Guzman said the residents paved the way for the military troopers to locate the arrested persons who were reportedly seen hiding in a creek line.

The Army recovered from the site an M653 Baby Armalite, assorted magazines, ammunition, solar panels, radios, cellular phones, two backpacks, and other war materials.

No injuries were reported on the government side.

“Our operations in Negros are and will be relentless. We are determined to free the communities from the presence and terroristic activities of the NPA,” Guzman said.

On July 22, 2021, the troopers also encountered about 20 unidentified armed men at Sitio Manulaya of Barangay Tan-awan, Kabankalan City. It was followed by another encounter in Sitio Bugo of Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, where an alleged rebel was killed.

Meanwhile, Binalbagan Mayor Alejandro Mirasol, in a statement, commended the residents of Barangay Santol for their courage, cooperation, and concern by reporting the alleged presence of the NPA in their area.

This only proves that Binalbaganons are one with us in ending the local communist armed conflict in the municipality, the mayor said.

He also recognized the efforts and bravery of the 94th IB in seizing the acts of the rebels.

The incident that happened goes to show that this government will not tolerate the wicked doings of the terrorists and also shows how capable our government forces are in actual combat, Mirasol said.

The local chief executive also called on the remaining members of the communist terrorist group to peacefully surrender to the government.