Two alleged communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels died in an encounter with government forces on Saturday, April 17, at Purok Yuring, Sitio Dash 7 in Barangay Bulwangan, Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental.

The 40-minute firefight ensued between the Army’s 15th Infantry Battalion and believed to be members of Platoon 3, Southwest Front of KR-NCBS. The relentless efforts of the soldiers forced the enemies to scamper in different directions, leaving their dead comrades behind identified as alias Micheal/ Nonoy and alias Ken-ken of Platoon 3, SWF, KR-NCBS.

The government troops also recovered two caliber .45 pistols with magazines and ammunition, one hand grenade, extortion letters, subversive documents, cellphones, and personal belongings.

No casualties were recorded on the part of the government forces.

The soldiers of the 15IB were conducting CSP sustainment operations in Hinoba-an and acted on the report of NPA presence in the area. The NPA terrorists were allegedly on their recovery and extortion activities and are sowing fear in the previously cleared areas of Hinoba-an, which prompted the local populace to immediately report their presence in the community.

The two fatalities were brought to the Porras Funeral Homes at the town’s Purok IV, Barangay 1.

Lt. Col. Erwin Cariño, 15IB Commanding Officer, expressed his gratitude to the residents of Sitio Yuring, Barangay Bulwangan for giving timely and accurate information on the presence and plans of the NPA terrorist in their locality.

Col. Leonardo I. Peña, 302nd Brigade Commander, also commended the troops under the 15IB for the sacrifices and dedication that they have demonstrated./WDJ