TWO New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in a firefight with government troops in EB Magalona town, Negros Occidental last Tuesday, the military reported yesterday
The AFP Visayas Command (Viscom) said the firefight also resulted in the seizure of six firearms — three M16 rifles, an M14 rifle, an AR15 rifle, and an M1 Garand rifle.
Troops from the Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion were conducting a combat operation when they clashed with a group of rebels in Sitio Nabalas Dos, Barangay Canlusong in EB Magalona town last Tuesday afternoon.
The rebels, who were not identified, are said to be remnants of a dismantled NPA guerrilla front under the Northern Negros Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor.
Soldiers recovered at the encounter site the remains of two slain NPA rebels, three rifles and other war materiel after the 15-minute firefight, said Viscom spokesman Lt. Col. Israel Galorio.
During another operation yesterday, Galorio said troops recovered three more rifles, four rifle grenades and ammunition in the area.
Viscom commander Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo commended the troops for the feat.
“My utmost commendation to our troops who bravely displayed their commitment in our fight for peace in the region, as we keep on sustaining our gains and further push the CPP-NPA on the brink of imminent collapse,” said Arevalo.
Arevalo reiterated his call to NPA rebels to surrender, “rather than live a life in hiding.
“This is your opportunity to preserve your lives and at the same time be reconciled with your families, as you rejoin the government in securing a lasting peace in the Visayas,” said Arevalo.
