By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY—Six suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in a clash with military troops early Thursday in Barangay Gatuslao, Candoni, Negros Occidental.
The Army has not yet identified the fatalities, pending police investigations and verification by authorities.
The skirmish occurred around 3:43 a.m. when troops from the Army’s 47th Infantry Battalion (IB) and 15th IB responded to reports of an armed group allegedly engaging in extortion and other illegal activities in the area.
Military personnel encountered at least 10 remnants of the dismantled South West Front (SWF), Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor (KR-NCBS).
During the 40-minute clash, the Army recovered eight high-powered firearms, including five M16 rifles, two AK-47 rifles, and one M653 rifle. No casualties were reported on the government side.
Lt. Col. Magno Mapalad III, commander of the 47th IB, called the encounter a significant blow to the dwindling remnants of the NPA in Negros Occidental.
Mapalad commended the troops for their dedication to preventing any resurgence of the NPA and praised the local community for providing timely and accurate information.
Major General Marion Sison, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division (ID), said efforts to combat the remaining NPA members in Negros remain ongoing.
Sison warned the rebels that their continued path of violence will lead to further loss.
“We will not tire of urging you to abandon this path of armed struggle,” Sison said.
“There is still time to choose a peaceful way where you can have a fresh start,” he added.
