By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – Two suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA), including a leader and notorious hitman, were killed in a clash with government forces at Sitio Kawayanan, Barangay Montilla, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental late Thursday night.
In a report released to the media on Friday, July 21, the Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB) identified one of the fatalities as Marivic Ebarle alias “Ivan,” alleged commander of Section Guerilla Unit (SGU), of Central Negros (CN) 1, while his comrade has yet to be identified.
According to the 62nd IB, the troopers engaged in a 15-minute gun battle against six NPA rebels around 11:55 p.m.
The Army said that they have prevented the movement and plan of the enemy to evade the operating troopers when they responded to information about their alleged presence in the area.
Two other rebels were believed to have been wounded based on the bloodstains seen on the trail, according to the Army.
Military troopers recovered from the encounter site a .45 caliber pistol, a .357 caliber revolver, 21 serviceable ammunition of .45 caliber pistol, six serviceable ammunition of .357 caliber revolver, two steel magazines of .45 caliber pistol, medical kits, and two backpacks with personal belongings.
Upon verification, the Army tagged Ebarle’s group in various killings of civilians. They are also allegedly responsible for the harassment and extortion activities in Barangays Macagahay and Quintin Remo, in Moises Padilla town, extending towards the boundary barangays of La Castellana, Negros Occidental and Canlaon City, Negros Oriental.
Meanwhile, the Leonardo Panaligan Command (LPC)-NPA, claimed the killing of Ricky Catubig, 40, of Barangay Guba, Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental on July 19.
In a statement, Ka JB Regalado, LPC-NPA spokesperson, said that this is the group’s answer to the complaints of some residents against the alleged abuse of an asset of the military.
Regalado said that Catubig was killed a few meters away from the army detachment.
