BACOLOD City — A Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary (CAA) member was killed while two soldiers of the Philippine Army were wounded after government troops came under attack from an armed group in Escalante City, Negros Occidental, on Tuesday afternoon, September 29.
The attack occurred in Sitio Bautista, Barangay Malasibog, while personnel of the Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (79IB), including members of its Mobile Community Support and Sustainment Program team, were conducting a security patrol in the area.
According to the 3rd Infantry Division, the troops were supporting ongoing peace and development efforts in the community when they were attacked, triggering a firefight that lasted about 10 minutes.
The CAA member sustained fatal injuries during the encounter.
Two soldiers were also wounded and immediately transported to a hospital for medical treatment. They were later reported to be in stable condition.
Maj. Gen. Joey A. Escanillas, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the family of the fallen CAA member.
Escanillas said the incident would not deter government forces and their partners from continuing their efforts to maintain peace and support development initiatives in communities.
“This attack shows the stark contrast between those working with communities toward peace and development and those who continue to resort to violence,” Escanillas said.
He said the troops were deployed to help sustain gains in the community and contribute to an environment where residents can live without fear or intimidation.
The Army commander also commended the wounded soldiers and other personnel of the 79IB for their service and commitment.
Following the encounter, security operations remained in place in the area to protect civilians and prevent armed groups from regaining a foothold in communities, the Army said.
Escanillas urged residents to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious activities to authorities./PN
