By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – An alleged member of the New People’s Army (NPA) died in a clash with the military troopers at Sitio Bugo, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental last Wednesday.
The Army, however, has yet to identify the fatality.
The encounter happened while the soldiers were conducting combat operations in response to reports on the alleged presence of seven armed rebels in the area.
The firefight ensued for about 10 minutes before the alleged rebels fled towards the Cabadiangan creek.
No casualties were reported on the government side.
Recovered from the encounter site were an M1 Carbine Rifle, two .357 caliber pistols, and personal belongings.
Prior to the clash, Lieutenant Colonel Angelo Guzman, commander of Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion (IB), said that some residents accused the rebels of harassment on suspicions that they were military informants.
Major General Eric Vinoya, commander of 3rd Infantry Division (ID), said the local government units (LGUs) with the support of the people are now taking the lead in safeguarding their communities from the rebels.
“They are very cooperative with our soldiers, for they are longing for a peaceful Negros,” he added.
