Army, rebels clash in Negros Oriental

Some of the items recovered in Barangay Nagbinlod, Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental where the Army clashed with suspected NPAs Wednesday. (Photo courtesy of 11th IB)

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Military troopers of the 11th Infantry Battalion (IB) clashed with suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) at Sitio Igang, Barangay Nagbinlod, Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental last Wednesday.

According to the Army, the combat operation occurred after military troopers received information about the alleged presence of an armed group in the area.

The troopers encountered at least seven unidentified armed persons believed to be NPA rebels resulting in a 20-minute firefight.

The Army recovered from the encounter site a .38-caliber pistol, seven backpacks, four cellular phones, a radio, a bandolier, food supplies, assorted medical supplies, other personal belongings, and subversive documents containing high intelligence value.