By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
According to police, nearly 100 residents of Barangay Nataban in San Carlos City were evacuated amid the gun battle between the Philippine Army 79th Infantry Battalion (79 IB) and suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in neighboring Barangay Guadalupe last Monday.
San Carlos City police chief, Police Superintendent D’Artagnan Katalbas, said around 8:00 a.m., residents in the area heard gun fire being exchanged between the 79 IB and the estimated 30 to 40 suspected NPA rebels.
He also noted there were NPA sightings in Barangay Nataban.
Residents were evacuated to the Barangay Nataban hall around 6:00 p.m.
In addition, the city government also supplied relief aid to locals.
A gun battle erupted Monday morning after members the 79 IB stumbled upon a suspected NPA camp in Barangay Guadalupe.
According to an official report by 79 IB commander, Lt. Colonel Emelito Thaddeus Logan, authorities received complaints from local residents claiming they were being harassed by NPA rebels, prompting the commander to deploy troops to the area and secure the community.
Around 8:00 a.m., a 79 IB scout platoon discovered the supposed NPA encampment, when one of the rebels opened fire.
Logan said the encampment housed around 30 to 40 insurgents and a gun battle ensued for at least 20 minutes before the rebels pulled back.
According to Katalbas, the rebels retreated to the vicinity of Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental.
While some 79 IB units pursued the rebels, another unit scoured the area and recovered a solar panel with a rechargeable motorcycle battery, subversive documents, ammunition, and personal items belonging to the NPA members.
Logan noted, the camp had two kitchens, a good source of water, and a mobile phone signal.
The army suffered zero casualties but have yet to determine if the rebels reported any fatalities from the gun battle.
“It is a clear indication the community themselves don’t want the armed NPA terrorists conducting extortion, harassment, and recruitment of minors,” Logan added./DGB, WDJ