By CESAR JOLITO III
Government troops clashed with suspected remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) in a series of encounters at remote villages in Negros Occidental’s Cauayan and Toboso towns over the weekend.
Personnel of the 15th Infantry Battalion (15IB) encountered at least three individuals believed to be affiliated with the South West Front in Barangay Caliling’s Sitio Lomboy on Saturday, April 18.
In an interview, 15IB Executive Officer Major Docesimo Cuyag said the firefight occurred at around 12:00 noon after residents reported the presence of armed individuals in the area.
The suspects were allegedly asking for food and money from locals, raising alarm among villagers.
Cuyag said troops were conducting patrol operations when the suspected rebels suddenly opened fire, prompting government forces to return fire in self-defense.
The exchange of gunfire lasted for more than three minutes, he added.
No casualties were reported on the side of the military, and the encounter site was located far from residential areas, ensuring civilian safety during the incident.
However, authorities believe some of the fleeing suspects may have been wounded after bloodstains were discovered at the scene.
As of this writing, no firearms or other equipment have been recovered from the area.
Military operations and monitoring continue as security forces intensify efforts to track down the armed group.
Meanwhile, government troops engaged an estimated 20-member armed group in an encounter in Toboso’s Barangay Salamanca yesterday, with authorities identifying a rebel leader carrying a bounty of over P1 million as among those believed to have led the group.
According to the 79IB, the military launched the operation after receiving reports from civilians about the presence of armed individuals in Sitio Sinugmawan.
Authorities said the group was allegedly led by Arnel Tapang, also known by the aliases “Jhong,” “Nono” and “Roger Fabillar,” a figure linked to the Northern Negros Front.
Initial clearing operations at the encounter site led to the recovery of several high-powered firearms.
Tapang is reportedly wanted in connection with multiple killing incidents in the province.
Military operations are ongoing as authorities continue to secure the area and pursue the remaining members of the armed group./CJ, WDJ