A suspected New People’s Army (NPA) hideout was captured yesterday morning by the elements of the Philippine Army 62nd Infantry Battalion (62IB) in Himamaylan City’s Barangay Buenavista. Information provided by the 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IB) said 62IB sent the 31st Division Reconnaissance Company after receiving reports from residents regarding insurgent presence.
A gun battle ensued for at least 30 minutes between the 62IB and around 15 NPA insurgents. The rebels were eventually forced to flee after government forces took control of their lair.
62IB said, following the encounter, residents reported two NPA rebels were killed in the fight and dragged away by their comrades.
Soldiers recovered 45 rounds of M16 ammunition; trip wires for an improvised explosive device; a backpack; two NPA sweatshirts; a waller; medical kits; and the rebels’ personal belongings.
Following the clash, Joint Task Force-Negros commander, Brigadier General Eric Vinoya, warned rebels that they will continue to hunt them down “to the last man.”
He also gave the insurgents two choices, either they surrender immediately or die for their meaningless beliefs.
303IB commander, Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo, meanwhile, ordered forces in the area to continue their attacks against rebels in order to stop them from exploiting locals.
The encounter is the third reported incident in the area./DGB, WDJ