By CESAR JOLITO III

The hot pursuit operation against alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) remains ongoing following two consecutive encounters reported at Barangay Minautok in Negros Occidental’s Calatrava town on Monday, April 6.

Lt. Colonel Eric Alfonso, commander of the 79th Infantry Battalion, confirmed that government troops are actively tracking the armed group after receiving reports from concerned residents about their presence in the area.

Alfonso said initial community reports indicated that around seven to 10 armed individuals, allegedly carrying high-powered firearms, were seen moving within the locality prior to the encounters.

The military earlier reported two successive firefights that took place on Monday morning involving suspected remnants of the Northern Negros Front, under the Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, in the said village.

The first and second encounters were both recorded at around 8:35 a.m., according to field reports.

Troops identified the group as being under the command of Roger Fabillar, also known as “Jhong,” who is believed to be a commanding officer of the NPA’s Northern Negros Front.

Military authorities also noted that Fabillar carries a standing bounty of approximately P1 million due to his alleged involvement in insurgency-related activities.

Alfonso said the armed group is believed to still be operating in the vicinity, prompting continuous clearing and pursuit operations by government forces.

He urged residents in Calatrava and nearby areas to remain vigilant and immediately report any sightings or information regarding the movement or location of armed individuals to authorities, stressing that civilian cooperation remains crucial in preventing further incidents.

Operations in the area are still ongoing as of this report./CJ, WDJ