Wilson Yanog Jr., a suspected New People’s Army member, was killed in an encounter with government troops in Barangay Malasibog, Escalante City, Negros Occidental on Thursday, July 15. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
BACOLOD CITY—A suspected member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed, and two others were arrested by government troops during an encounter Thursday in Barangay Malasibog, Escalante City, Negros Occidental.
Major Cenon Pancito III, 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson, said the troops received information from residents about armed men in the village, prompting them to respond.
When they reached the area, the soldiers were fired upon by an undetermined number of suspected rebels.
A firefight ensued, which resulted in the death of Wilson Yanog Jr., a resident of Sitio Tinibiangan, Barangay Minapasuk, Calatrava, Negros Occidental.
Two others—Joel Manguiran and Jessie Labisto—were arrested.
Recovered in the area were a .45 caliber pistol, a 9 mm pistol, nine 9 mm ammunition, nine cellular phones, backpacks with personal belongings, and voluminous antigovernment documents.
Malasibog Barangay Captain Romulo Amacan was grateful to the soldiers for addressing the insurgency in their village.
Lt. Col. J-jay Javines, 79thIB commander, attributed the operation’s success to the support of the local populace.
He also called on the remaining members of the communist terrorist group (CTG) to lay down their arms peacefully, live a normal life with their families, and avail themselves of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program benefits.
“Armed struggle is not the key, but a big hindrance to attaining peace and development. Let us work together to build communities that are inhospitable to enemies of the state, free from fear, manipulation, and exploitation by the CTGs,” Javines added.”