By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A suspected New People’s Army (NPA) insurgent was killed over the weekend following a gun battle with government forces in Ayungon, Negros Oriental. Philippine Army 62nd Infantry Battalion commander, Lt. Colonel Egberto Dacoscos, said they visited Barangay Carol-an, which is located in a mountainous area of the town, after receiving complaints regarding rebels reportedly spreading propaganda material and extorting money from local residents.
A clash between the two sides ensued for at least a half an hour until the insurgency group was forced to retreat and scattered in different directions.
Amid their escape, they left behind one rebel, who was believed to have died in battle.
Government forces recovered an M16 assault rifle, two grenades, an improvised explosive device, assorted ammunition, and the rebels’ personal belongings.
Dacoscos also confirmed the rebel unit in question were members of the NPA Central Negros Front, who were responsible for the recent attacks in Himamaylan City and Kabankalan City.
Both the army and police are currently conducting hot-pursuit operations against the remaining rebels./DGB, WDJ