By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

At least one insurgent is believed dead after elements of the Philippine Army 15th Infantry Battalion (15IB) clashed with at least 15 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels yesterday morning in Cauayan’s Barangay Camalandaan.
According to 15IB commander, Lt. Colonel Patricio Tomales, troops were in the area as part of the Western Visayas for Serbisyo Negrosanon-Retooled Community Support Program, a joint effort by the Negros Occidental Provincial Government, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police, and Philippine Army to look into insurgency-related problems.
He said they received numerous reports and sightings from local residents, which resulted in a 25-minute gun battle. The insurgents were eventually forced to retreat upon spotting the government forces advancing towards their position.
Following the clash, several residents reported seeing insurgents carrying one of their members, a woman, whom they believed was dead.
Government forces, meanwhile, recovered items belonging to the rebels, including four rifle grenades, subversive documents, and several medical kits.
Tomales added, they believe the group they clashed with were led by NPA Commanders Rennel ‘Kumpol’ Cellon and Nilda ‘Gia’ Bertullano, both members of the NPA Southwest Front.
The 15IB is currently conducting hot pursuit operations against the fleeing rebels./DGB, WDJ