The Philippine Army offered options to the remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros: Surrender or die.

Lt. Magno Mapalad, 47th Infantry Battalion commanding officer, conveyed this warning after seven alleged NPA members were killed in an encounter with military troops at Barangay Gatuslao in Negros Occidental’s Candoni town on November 21.

Mapalad said it is a favorable and better option for remaining rebels to surrender so that they can be with their family, especially this Christmas season.

“We strongly encourage the remaining members to lay down their arms and choose the path of peace,” Mapalad said in a statement.

He added that the government is ready to support those who seek to reintegrate into society and pursue a peaceful life.

“It is not too late to choose a better path,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mapalad said the latest encounter was “a significant blow to the dwindling remnants” of the NPA in Negros Occidental.

“The tragic fate of [their] comrades in this encounter serves as a stark reminder that the armed struggle only leads to suffering and death,” he said.

Of the seven fatalities, one was identified and claimed by relatives.

The remaining six, whose families did not come forward, were buried in Candoni’s Barangay Poblacion West on Friday afternoon, November 22.

Earlier, 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson, Lt. Colonel J-jay Javines said the latest encounter meant that the NPA’s forces are still weak.

Another encounter

Another suspected NPA member was killed in an encounter in Candoni on Friday, municipal police chief, Major Nelson Amsiwen said.

Amsiwen said the encounter between another group of suspected rebels and the 15th Infantry Battalion lasted for more than eight minutes.

Police have yet to identify the fatality.

The remains are set to be buried if unclaimed by family members, Amsiwen said.

A caliber .45, personal belongings and subversive documents were recovered after the clash.

The pursuit and clearing operations in the area are ongoing.

Classes resume

Classes are expected to resume in five schools in Barangay Gatuslao, following its suspension due to the recent encounter that resulted in the deaths of seven suspected rebels.

Four elementary schools and one high school declared class suspensions on November 21, for the safety of students, while the military conducted clearing operations after the clash.

Five families are reported to have evacuated with their relatives after the encounter.

Earlier, Javines assured residents that there was nothing to worry about as it was believed that the rebels were just passing through the area when the military detected their presence./WDJ