Suspected NPA rebel slain in Negros Occidental clash

BACOLOD CITY –– A suspected member of the New People’s Army was killed in an encounter Wednesday with the 94th Infantry Battalion near Sitio Bugo, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

Major Cenon Pancito III, Public Affairs Office chief of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, said the encounter happened about 3:30 p.m. while the troops were conducting combat operations in response to the reports of civilians about the presence of seven NPA rebels in the area.

“The firefight ensued for about ten minutes, and the rebels withdrew towards Cabadiangan creek. [There was] no casualty on the government side,” he said.

The troops seized an M1 Carbine Rifle, two .357-caliber pistols, and personal belongings.

LZB