Elderly NPA combatant slain in southern Negros clash

INQUIRER FILES

BACOLOD CITY — A 64-year-old combatant of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed Monday during an encounter with troops of the Philippine Army’s 15th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Basak, Cauayan, Negros Occidental.

The 3rd Infantry Division (ID) said in a report on Wednesday that Ramon Moico Enseniales, with aliases Art and Bugtong, was considered a remnant of the dismantled South West Front (SWF). He was killed during a two-minute encounter between the soldiers and about five NPA rebels Monday noon, according to Major General Marion Sison, commander of the 3ID.

He said the collaboration between the 15IB troops and the community led to the neutralization of Enseniales.

“To those who remain in hiding, I urge you to choose the path of peace to avoid the fate of your comrades in previous encounters,” he added.

The body of the slain combatant was found after other rebels fled the encounter site.

Enseniales’ identity was confirmed by his wife, Epeania, the report said, adding that their family resides in Purok 1, Barangay Tambad in Cauayan.

During the clearing operation, the troops also recovered an improvised 12-gauge shotgun, two hand grenades, three keypad mobile phones, personal belongings, and antigovernment documents with high intelligence value. (PNA)