By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
A soldier and three New People’s Army (NPA) members were wounded in a clash in Negros Occidental’s Toboso town on Maundy Thursday, April 6.
The 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IBde) said the wounded soldier, whose identity is being withheld, is now in a stable condition at a hospital in Bacolod City.
Based on information released by the 303IBde, the 79th Infantry Battalion (79IB) received a complaint from local residents on Thursday afternoon that the NPA were forcefully extorting the locals and handing out propaganda leaflets.
“The 79IB also acted immediately to the information given by the locals,” 303IBde commander, Brigadier General Orlando Edralin said.
The Army encountered around 10 NPA insurgents, forcing them to leave Barangay San Isidro’s Sitio Seraje.
They are believed to be remnants of the NPA’s Northern Negros Front (NNF).
Following the gun battle, locals reported to the 79IB that they had spotted three wounded NPA members fleeing the encounter site with other insurgents.
Recovered at the site are two homemade shotguns, two shotgun magazines, two live 12-gauge shotgun ammunition, six packs of medicine kits, six hammocks, two pairs of boots, a mobile phone battery, and personal belongings.
Also recovered are subversive documents and leaflets.
Meanwhile, Edralin said he appreciates the continued support of the locals who have now understood that “the communist-terrorist NPAs are the menace of society who feed their personal and selfish desires on the poor masses.”
“It is with great pride that I commend the tireless efforts of the 79IB under Lt. Colonel J-Jay Javines. The same goes for our wounded personnel. Truly, the devotion and sacrifices made by our soldiers to their oath to safeguard fellow Filipinos and the country are beyond measure,” Edralin said.
Meanwhile, the wounded Army trooper was awarded the Wounded Personnel Medal from Edralin.
The NNF, a part of the NPA’s Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor unit, was dismantled by government forces in April 2021.
They continue their recruitment efforts in the hinterland villages of Toboso and Calatrava towns, Escalante City, and in other remote areas in the province./With a report from PNA / DGB, WDJ