ILOILO CITY, April 26 (PIA) -- Another two members of CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNT) died in an encounter with the troops of 15th Infantry (Molave Warrior) Battalion on Saturday, April 24, in Sitio Payranan, Bgry Pinggot, Ilog, Negros Occidental.
This is a just week after the death of two CNT members in Purok Yuring, Sitio Dash 7, Brgy Bulwangan, Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental, April 17, 2021 also in an encounter wih the government troops, said 15IB Civil Military Operations Officer Weann Sandag.
The troops were conducting pursuit and clearing operation after the Hinoba-an encounter when they received reports from the local residents about the alleged wounded CNT personalities who were involved in previous clash.
“While responding to the reports, they encountered more or less 10 armed members of Platoon 3 Southwest Front of Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor (KR-NCBS),” said Sandag.
She added that the fire fight ensued for about 40 minutes, leaving two dead and undetermined wounded on the part of the NPA and no casualties on the government side.
Seized from the encounter site were two dead bodies of NPAs, one Colt AR15 M16 rifle, one cal. 45 pistol, one 12 gauge homemade shotgun; one anti-personnel mine with blasting and detonating cap, three short magazines, assorted live ammunition, subversive documents, and five backpacks.
Meanwhile, 15IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col Erwin Cariño said “Slowly, we could feel the assurance and full support of the masses. Their continuous support through giving information about the activities and location of the communist-terrorists greatly contributed to the Army’s effort in ending the local insurgency in Negros Island.”
He said that the encounter also signified the declining influence and access of the NPAs in the communities.
“We called on the remaining NPAs to surrender now while you still have time. We know that you are tired and weary in fighting a lost and abused cause,” Cariño said.
He added that “the government is sincere, and is always ready to assist and help you if you return to the folds of the law and live a normal and productive life.”
On his part, 302nd Brigade Commander Col. Leonardo I. Peña appreciated the relentless efforts of the troops under the 15IB for the series of engagements with the CNTs in their area of operations.
He also recognized the collaborative participation of the community from Barangay Pinggot for the accurate and timely information that they provided to the soldiers.
“This is a manifestation that you are already tired of the deceptions and whims of the communist terrorists for the past 52 years of their clamour for armed struggle to topple down our government,” he said.
Peña vowed “to guard the peace that we enjoy now and not lose our grip in working together so that our next generation will also enjoy it without the fear of being deceived.” (PIA6/CMO-15IB/Philippine Army)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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