By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The New People’s Army (NPA) insurgent killed during the encounter over the weekend was recently identified. Authorities said the suspected rebel was 22-year-old Joseph Pacheco, a resident of Barangay Buenavista in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.
Pacheco’s remains were positively identified by his mother Julita, who recognized a “burn scar” on his remains.
The NPA insurgent was killed last Saturday after his group engaged in a gun battle with elements of the Philippines Army 62nd Infantry Battalion (62IB) in the mountainous area of Ayungon in Negros Oriental.
62IB commander, Lt. Colonel Egberto Dacoscos, said they visited the area 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 insurgent group was forced to retreat and scattered in different directions.
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./DGB, WDJ