CEBU CITY — Two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in an encounter with government troops on Christmas Eve in Siaton, Negros Oriental.
The gunfight erupted at 7:25 p.n. last Thursday when elements of the 11th Infantry Battalion (IB), Philippine Army encountered remnants of Southeast Front, Komiteng Rehiyon Negros, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor (SEF, KR – NCBS) in Sitio Libjo, Barangay Napacao, Siaton.
The encounter happened after the government forces acted on reports from concerned residents about the NPA rebels in the area.
After the firefight, government troops recovered the bodies of two NPA members as well as one 5.56mm baby Armalite, and one .45-caliber pistol.
Also recovered from the encounter site were subversive documents, one bandolier with two magazines of M14, one backpack with medical supplies, two backpacks with personal belongings and medical paraphernalia.
“We would like to thank the residents and barangay officials of Barangay Napacao for these efforts as they provided the necessary information needed which led to the successful engagement against the NPA. This is also brought about by the intensified peace and security operations being undertaken through the Joint Enhanced Military and Police Operation,” Lt. Col. Ramir J Redosendo, commanding officer of the 11th IB, said in a statement. (Calvin Cordova)
