BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Soldiers of the Philippine Army’s 15th Infantry Battalion (15IB) overrun a lair of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Camindangan, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental.
Lieutenant Colonel Erwin Cariño, commanding of 15IB, said his troops were conducting patrol operations in the village on Tuesday when they encountered around 20 NPA fighters.
A 15-minute gun battle ensued before the members of NPA’s South West Front Platoon 2, Sentro de Grabidad backed away, according to Cariño.
Cariño said they didn’t suffer any casualties in the fight, adding the insurgent group’s lair can accommodate at least 60 individuals.
They recovered from the hideout an improvised explosive device, a generator set, electrical wires, a pair of binoculars, a blood pressure apparatus, and a computer printer.
Other items found included subversive documents, teach-in materials, office supplies, a map of Negros Island, containers of gasoline, personal items, foodstuff, and cooking utensils.
Troops recovered improvised explosive devices, a generator set, binoculars, medical kits, assorted office supplies, food and cooking supplies, and the insurgents’ personal belongings which include several subversive documents.
Cariño commended the locals for giving them information about the NPA’s presence in the area, adding their cooperation is a clear manifestation of growing mass resistance against the rebels. “We will continue to conduct focused military operations, and with the support of the locals in the area, more NPA lairs are expected to be seized and cleared in the coming days,” he added./PN
