BACOLOD City – Two alleged New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in an encounter with soldiers of the Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion (94IB) in Sitio Pisok, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.
The 94IB identified the fatalities as Joan Lacio “Mark” Encancion, 31, vice commanding officer of the Sentro de Grabidad (SDG) Platoon of Central Negros 2, and Jolina “Chloe” Martinez Sergio, 30, political instructor of the SDG Platoon.
Lieutenant Colonel J-Jay Javines, spokesperson for the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, said the rebel couple were married in 2017 in Sitio Bunsad, Barangay Buenavista.
They were wanted for attempted murder and homicide, according to the 94IB.
The 94IB soldiers were responding to reports of local sugarcane farmers, project workers and quarry operators who received frequent threats from the communist terrorist group when they encountered five rebels on Thursday morning, August 22.
The exchange of fire lasted for about five minutes before the three rebels fled, leaving behind the bodies of their two comrades.
Recovered from the encounter site were M16 rifle, M14 rifle, magazines of M14 and M16, assorted rounds of live ammunition, backpack, and bandolier.
The 94IB said the rebel couple will be given a proper burial in coordination with the local government officials.
It added that their families will receive the necessary support.
Meanwhile, Brigadier General Orlando Edralin, commander of the Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade, commended the prompt action of the 94IB troops headed by Lieutenant Colonel Ziegfred Tayaban.
“The successful operation speaks of the dedication of the army in sustaining the peace and order in Negros Island. It is our mandate to maintain a stable internal peace and security, wherein Negrenses live harmoniously and peacefully and are focused on the development and improvement of their respective families without worrying about communist insurgent,” Edralin added./PN
