By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A suspected New People’s Army (NPA) hideout was reportedly captured last week by units from the Philippine Army 62nd Infantry Battalion at Sitio Dawhan in Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

303rd Infantry Brigade commander, Colonel Benedict Arevalo, said the hideout was abandoned and was capable of accommodating at least 20 members.

The brigade commander said the hideout was situated near a cliff and had a good water source. A makeshift kitchen, along with a formation area with a guard post, were also built in the alleged hideout.

He stated the discovery was made while units were conducting combat operations in the area, in an effort to prevent rebels from engaging in extortion and terrorist activities against the local communities.

Arevalo also assured the military will continue its obligation to ensure the protection of the public, especially with the upcoming midterm elections in May./DGB, WDJ