By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A convoy carrying law enforcement personnel, Philippine Army soldiers, and a rescue team were ambushed yesterday morning by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental.
Based on information provided by Santa Catalina municipal police, the convoy visited Sitio Tara, located in the town’s Barangay San Jose, intending to pick up the remains of Marlon and Marjun Ocampo, who were reportedly gunned down late Thursday night by unidentified assailants.
As they were heading back to town with the remains, the composite team, led by Police Captain Michael Acedillo Rubia, was ambushed by around six to seven NPA rebels.
Both police and 11th Infantry Battalion soldiers immediately returned fire.
Authorities pointed out, no one was hurt among government forces or the rescue team.
A follow-up operation against the rebels is currently underway./DGB, WDJ