By Nanette Guadalquiver
(Photo courtesy of Cheng Santillan)
BACOLOD CITY – Renewed clash between Philippine Army troops and New People’s Army (NPA) remnants in Cauayan, Negros Occidental over the weekend claimed the lives of five communist rebels, the military said in a report.
Information from the locals led soldiers of the 15th Infantry Battalion to the location of South West Front fighters and a running gunbattle ensued in the vicinity of barangays Abaca, Poblacion and Man-uling.
In a statement, Brig. Gen. Jason Jumawan, commander 302nd Infantry Brigade (IBde), said the heavy losses suffered by the NPA “exposes the deteriorating condition” of the dismantled rebel front.
“The continued collapse of communist-terrorist formations in Negros reflects the growing rejection of violent armed struggle by communities once exploited,” he said.
On Sunday, five bodies were retrieved from the encounter site and brought to R & S Funeral Homes with the assistance of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
Based on reports, the clash started around 6 a.m. followed by two more at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
To ensure community safety, an estimated 180 families from the three villages were evacuated and assisted by barangay officials and municipal government personnel.
In its report, the 302IBde said the troops recovered various high-powered weapons such as M60 machine gun, M16 rifles, M14 rifle, M203 grenade launcher and hand grenade from the encounter site.
“It’s unfortunate that many lives were lost, but the troops had to defend the community who are victims of the senseless killings of innocent civilians,” Jumawan said.
In a separate statement, Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, said the neutralization of the five rebels is a significant setback for the NPA remnants in southern Negros.
“The tip-off from the local populace reflects the growing trust and confidence of the community to the Army. We will sustain intensified focused military operations to prevent the fleeing NPA terrorists from regrouping,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mayor John Rey Tabujara of Cauayan said he “strongly condemns the violence, intimidation and disturbance caused by the New People’s Army” during the armed encounter.
“These acts have disrupted the peace of our communities and placed innocent civilians in distress. Cauayan will not tolerate any threat to the safety, security, and well-being of our people,” he said in a statement.
Tabujara said the municipal government closely coordinates with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in securing the affected areas, protecting the communities, and restoring peace and order.
“We urge all Cauayanons to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with our uniformed personnel,” he added. (PNA)
