NPA member dies in encounter with military in Negros Oriental

BACOLOD CITY — Another suspected communist rebel was killed in an encounter with government troopers in Sitio Banderahan, Barangay Trinidad, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental at about 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 10.

The fatality was identified as Orlando Fat, an alleged political instructor of the New People’s Army (NPA) who operates in the tri-boundaries of Guihulngan City, Canlaon City, both in Negros Oriental and Moises Padilla town in Negros Occidental, based on report of the 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB).

Concerned residents annoyed by the rebels’ alleged extortion, intimidation, and harassment informed the 62nd IB of their presence in Barangay Trinidad.

While the soldiers were approaching in the area, they were fired upon by the rebels and a gun battle lasted about five minutes.

Seized from the encounter site were a .45 caliber pistol, a 40mm grenade launcher, three empty steel magazines for an M-16 rifle, an empty plastic magazine for an M1-16 rifle, ammunition and subversive documents and personal belongings.

Col. Michael Samson, 303rd Brigade Commander, lauded the efforts of the 62nd IB troopers for their prompt action that prevented the rebels from committing atrocities against residents in the area.

An alleged New People’s Army rebel was also killed in a clash with 94th Infantry Battalion soldiers in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on Monday, January 9.

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JPV