By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion (94IB) have yet to identify the remains of the three New People’s Army (NPA) members they neutralized following a weekend gun battle at Barangay Oringao in Negros Occidental’s Kabankalan City.

Lt. Colonel Van Donald Almonte, 94IB commander, said the insurgents’ families have yet to approach the authorities to claim the bodies for proper burial.

Almonte called on the public, especially Kabankalan City residents, who may have missing family members or relatives to coordinate with the authorities.

The 94IB commander also called on the members of the NPA’s Central Negros Front 2 and other smaller groups to surrender before it is too late.

Over the weekend, at least 800 residents of puroks Pitgong, Mansawin and Pag-imokan in Barangay Oringao fled their homes after the 94IB encountered a group of NPA insurgents in the area.

Government forces also recovered a loaded M14 rifle, a .45 caliber pistol with magazines and ammunition, a .38 caliber pistol, backpacks, subversive documents, and personal belongings.

On Sunday night, February 5, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander Colonel Orlando Edralin commended the 94IB troops for their immediate response to the information by the locals.

“The bravery you exhibited during the series of security operations is incomparable,” Edralin said.

He also acknowledged the cooperation and vigilance of the residents.

Meanwhile, Kabankalan City Mayor Benjie Miranda said the series of encounters displaced city residents who had sought shelter in a covered court in the village since Saturday night, February 4. / With a report from PNA / DGB, WDJ