BACOLOD City — Personnel of the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) figured in an armed encounter with suspected members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) while conducting security operations in Calatrava, Negros Occidental, on June 14.
According to PRO-NIR, members of the 1st Platoon, 2nd Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-Negros Island Region (RMFB-NIR) were providing security assistance to the Municipal Local Government Operations Officer of Calatrava when they allegedly came under attack in Sitio Kabalagnan, Barangay Lalong.
Following the encounter, a Quick Reaction Team (QRT) from the 2nd Maneuver Company was immediately dispatched to the area and successfully extracted the operating personnel.
Clearing and scouring operations conducted after the firefight led to the recovery of broken parts of a 5.56-caliber rifle at the encounter site.
The recovered items are now undergoing examination and documentation as part of the ongoing investigation.
To secure the area and prevent the possible regrouping of the armed group, RMFB-NIR coordinated with the Calatrava Municipal Police Station and Bravo Company of the 79th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.
Additional maneuver units were also placed on standby, while a Scout Platoon and personnel from the 2nd Maneuver Company were deployed to support pursuit and monitoring operations.
PRO-NIR reported that all members of the operating team were safely accounted for following the incident, with no injuries or casualties recorded on the government side.
The regional police office assured the public that intensified security and investigative measures are being undertaken in coordination with partner security forces to maintain peace and order in the area.
“PRO-NIR remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding communities and sustaining peace and security efforts across the Negros Island Region,” the regional office said in a statement.
Authorities continue to validate information surrounding the encounter and are expected to release additional details as the investigation progresses./PN
