3 NPA rebels slain, 3 others hurt in Negros Occidental clash

BACOLOD CITY—Three suspected communist rebels were killed while three others were injured, including their leader, in an encounter at 7:20 a.m. Tuesday in Barangay Tabu, Ilog town, Negros Occidental.

One person surrendered, and nine others found near the encounter site, were being held for questioning, said Lt. Col. Ryan Manongdo, commander of the 6th Special Action Force Battalion.

Authorities have yet to identify the slain rebels.

The injured rebel leader was identified as Nilda Natander Bertolano, alleged secretary of the New People’s Army (NPA) Southwest Front.

Bertolano suffered bullet wounds on the thigh and arm.

A policeman injured during the encounter is out of danger, Manongdo said.

He said his troops and the 2nd Negros Occidental Provincial Force Company went to Tabu after receiving information about a gathering of NPA rebels in the area.

Upon arrival in the area, about 20 rebels engaged the government troops in a gunfight for an hour and 10 minutes.

The police recovered four M-16 rifles in the area.

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