Nine alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were reported killed in a series of encounters with soldiers in Negros Oriental, the Armed Forces of the Philippines – Visayas Command said in a statement on Sunday.
Elements of the 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB) encountered NPA rebels during their follow up operation in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, leaving four suspected NPA members dead, and two others arrested.
The clash in Barangay Trinidad in Guihulungan City lasted for about 20 minutes. The military said the NPA rebels were part of the Central Negros 1 under Komiteng Rehiyon Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor.
The troops seized a number of firearms including one M4 Firebird rifle, two M16 rifles; one Cal. 30m handgun, three Cal. 45 pistols, 15 assorted magazines; several assorted live ammunitions; four rifle grenades; one improvised explosive device (IED), and several IED components.
Originally, the skirmish started in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, where five NPA members were reportedly neutralized by the troops, and seven firearms were recovered.
Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, chief of the Visayas Command (VISCOM), commended the active support of the local communities in the security efforts of the government in the region.
“The series of debacles suffered by the CPP-NPA is the result of our active convergence with the people and the local government units. This is a clear manifestation of the strong bond that we have in the fight against terrorism.” Arevalo said in a statement.
He urged the rebels to lay down arms and return to mainstream society after another major blow to the ranks of the rebel group.
«Our call for peace continues. The door of opportunity for you to return to the folds of the law remains open as we don›t want another lives to be wasted. Heed the call of our government and follow the lead of your former comrades who are now living a peaceful and progressive lives with their families. Lay down your arms now before it’s too late,” Arevalo said.
He also gave a stern warning to the members of the revolutionary group that the military operations will continue and are determined to end armed conflicts in the country.
“This is never going to stop. We cannot allow these peace spoilers to further sow fear and terror, as our operations will continue without any let up,” he added.