Soldiers of the 11th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army recently clashed with members of the rebel group New People’s Army in the northern part of Negros Oriental.
A statement from the 11th IB said the encounter happened early in the morning of July 9 at Sitio Cansuhi, Brgy. Tacpao, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.
Military troops were conducting their regular security patrol in the area when residents approached them and informed them about the NPA presence in the vicinity of a nearby creek.
While verifying the information, gunshots erupted which reportedly came from more or less 15 armed rebels. This led into a fiery encounter which lasted for three minutes.
After three minutes, the NPAs withdrew from the battle while members of the military pursued them.
The soldiers recovered one caliber 357 pistol, one grenade, one improvised explosive device (IED) with detonating cord, five NPA flags and one backpack with subversive documents which the rebels left.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Willy Isaac, commanding officer of the 11th IB, thanked the residents of Brgy. Tacpao for informing them about the NPA presence in their area.
Isaac said he believes that the growing support of the residents of Brgy. Tacpao and neighboring Barangay Binobohan to 11th IB “Bayanihan” teams is a big help in maintaining peace and order in their area.
Isaac further urged the residents living in remote barangays in Guihulngan City to work hand in hand with them to attain peace and development.
He assured them that the army will not be deterred in conducting its peace and development activities there. (PIA/RAL)
