CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – The Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion in Negros Occidental, Philippines seized a high-powered firearm and another temporary encampment of the CPP-NPA Terrorist after a firefight in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, on July 22, 2021.
The troops were conducting combat operations when they encountered more or less 20 armed members of the SDG Platoon, CN2, at the vicinity of Sitio Manulaya, Barangay Tan-awan of the said town.
The firefight lasted for about 30 minutes. After which, the enemy scampered in different directions. The communist-terrorist group suffered an undetermined number of wounded based on the traces of bloodstains at the encounter site and their withdrawal route.
One of the soldiers also sustained a gunshot wound at his left leg but in stable condition.
While scouring the area, the troops discovered an enemy’s temporary encampment at the vicinity of Sitio Buko in the same barangay. It can accommodate more or less 30 NPAs.
The encampment is the 2nd, located by the Army in Negros Island this week. The 15th Infantry Battalion discovered the first one after its four consecutive encounters with the communist-terrorists in the hinterland barangay of Candoni town.
Aside from the encampment, the troops also seized various war materials that include one (1) M16 A1 rifle; four (4) short magazines with ammunitions; IED components (150-meter electric wire, and one (1) battery switch); one (1) M16 handguard; one (1) jungle hammock; one (1) bolo; three (3) ponchos; one (1) book (Manual sa Pagsasanay Pangkalusugan); one (1) civilian backpack; assorted clothes including a shirt with Paghimakas NPA logo; one (1) pair of rain boots; various slippers; one (1) stub of needle; seven (7) kilos of corn; and P105.00 cash.
Major General Eric Vinoya, the Commander of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, said the discovery of two encampments suggests that the NPAs in Negros are now on the run.
“They cannot afford to stay or go back in one place after losing the trust and support of the masses. All they can do now is running and hiding to avoid being hit by our troops,” said MGen Vinoya.
“We know that you are afraid of death. Why complicate your life if you still have a choice to start a new one? Come down, lay down your arms, and avail the government’s Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) for you to have a peaceful life,” MGen Vinoya further said. (AFP Report)