An alleged member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in an armed encounter with government troops in Sitio Bugtangan, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, past 4 pm on June 6.
Colonel Rommel Lamzon, Public Information Chief of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, confirmed to Kabankalan-based media that the slain rebel was known only by the alias “Gringgo.” He was believed to be part of Central Negros-2, a unit of the NPA that the government has already declared dismantled.
Initial military reports said five suspected NPA members were encountered by soldiers, resulting in one fatality.
Troops recovered an M16 rifle and various personal belongings at the clash site.
Lamzon said the 3rd Infantry Division launched the operation following the recent elections. He added that a progress report will be disclosed soon.
Based on the record of Brigada News FM-Kabankalan, this was the first encounter involving the 94th Infantry Battalion this year. The battalion operates across Central Negros and parts of Kabankalan in southern part of the province.
As of press time, clearing operations are ongoing.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist making his mark in the world of news reporting. While his career in journalism is relatively new, he is committed to establish himself as a dedicated and versatile journalist, covering a wide range of topics.