• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
An Army soldier was killed, while another was reported to have been slightly injured in a series of encounters with remnants of the New People’s Army on Sunday in Sitio Canggabe, Barangay Santo Nino, Tanjay City, Negros Oriental.
Soldiers of the 11th Infantry Battalion were reported to have clashed with seven remnants of the dismantled South East Front (SEF) of the Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros/Cebu/Bohol/ Siquijor, while conducting security patrol in the area.
Initial reports disclosed that two Army soldiers were injured in the gun battle. Both were immediately brought to the Bayawan District Hospital, where one was reported to have been declared dead on arrival at the medical facility.
The slain Army soldier was reported to be an Army corporal from Tapaz, Capiz.
The encounters have prompted Mayor Jose “Pepe” Orlino to order the suspension of classes today (February 16) in the hinterland barangays of Sto. Niño, Pal-ew, Bahian and Sta. Cruz Nuevo, all in Tanjay City, to ensure safety and security of all students, teachers, and school personnel.
Brig. Gen. Jason Jumawan, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, disclosed that the four remnants of SEF are now being reinforced by remnants of the South West Front (SWF), to consolidate their forces in southern Negros, as part their recovery efforts following the dismantling of the two guerilla fronts.
The Army Private First Class who was slightly injured was discharged from the hospital yesterday.
Jumawan disclosed that the four armed skirmishes lasted less than 10 minutes.
“There’s no need for them (civilians) to evacuate. We made sure the firefight does not happen in a populated area to prevent civilians from the danger,” he further said.
Jumawan added the validation is now ongoing to determine if the fleeing rebel remnants also suffered casualties, as bloodstains were seen along their withdrawal routes.
He also noted that bloodstains were observed at the encounter sites, prompting verification efforts for potential NPA casualties, as pursuit operations were still underway as of last night.*
