By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Sipalay City Police Station recently reported the arrest of a suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebel by members of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF), following last weekend’s gun battle at the boundary of Barangay Gatuslao, Candoni and Barangay Manlucahok, Sipalay City.
Authorities captured 57-year-old Mercideta Villanida, a resident of Barangay Manlucahok, following the battle.
Police seized an M4 assault rifle, along with related paraphernalia, from the suspect.
Villanida has since been brought before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office, where she was charged with rebellion and illegal possession of firearm.
Last weekend, PNP-SAF encountered around 30 members of the NPA and engaged in a 30-minute firefight.
At least one law enforcement official, only identified as a police inspector, was wounded and was taken to a hospital in Bacolod City.
Authorities believe the NPA also suffered casualties as bloodstains were reportedly spotted at the encounter site./WDJ