By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – A suspected member of the New People’s Army’s (NPA) Special Partisan Unit (SParU) was killed in a clash with troopers of the Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB) at Sitio Pitik Pitik, Barangay Luz, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental last Sunday.
The fatality was identified as Randy Tapales who was reportedly linked to various killings in Guihulngan City, including the fatal ambush on Corporal Mark Anthony Quiocson at Barangay Luz on July 1, 2020, according to the Army.
The encounter happened while the soldiers were on security operations in response to reports on the alleged presence of the NPAs in the area.
At least five unidentified armed men believed to be members of SParU and SYP Platoon, Central Negros 1, Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor (KR-NCBS) traded shots with military troopers.
The firefight lasted for five minutes, with no casualties on the government side.
Military authorities recovered from the site two .357-caliber revolvers, .45-caliber pistol, a hand grenade, three magazines of .45-caliber pistol, 25 pieces of .45-caliber ammunition, and four pieces of .357-caliber ammunition.
According to the Army, Tapales was also tagged in the killing of Civilian Active Auxiliary (CAA) Mico Dinoy at Barangay Luz last January 28, 2021, and two civilian Swine Traders – Jemer Pondador and Romeo Dunggoan at Barangay Magsaysay last July 21, 2020.
Aside from that, the Army also reported that Tapales had two murder cases based on the records of Guihulngan City Police Station.
Lieutenant Colonel Melvin Flores, 62nd IB commander, expressed his sincerest sympathies and condolences to the family of the slain rebel.
“Another life was wasted because of the NPAs’ deception and lies. However, justice was also served to the families who were victims of this communist terrorist hitman,” Flores said in a statement.
For his part, Brigadier General Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde), said the Army is in control of the situation, as he assured everyone that despite the pandemic crisis, the Army will not put their guards down and will continue to go after the NPAs.
