BACOLOD CITY -- Paramilitary troopers seized bullet shells and various personal items from the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels they encountered in Sitio Pacama, Barangay Magballo in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on Friday afternoon.
A report from the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade on Friday night said troops of the Dacongcogon Cafgu Active Auxiliary Detachment, under the 15th Infantry Battalion, patrolled the area after they were informed by residents of the communist rebels’ extortion activities.
At about 1:55 p.m., they engaged some 10 communist rebels in a firefight that lasted up to 15 minutes.
The report said the rebels fled to various directions, leaving some of their belongings, among them 11 AK47 rifle bullet shells, a jungle knife, a jungle bolo, a hammock, a flashlight, a sweatshirt, a blanket, three pairs of slippers, a bottle of Vitamin C tablets, and food items.
During the encounter, the Army deployed two helicopters to Barangay Magballo for possible close air support.
The encounter came a week after a Philippine Army trooper was slightly wounded in a clash with NPA rebels, who attacked a patrol base of the 62nd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Hilamonan, also in Kabankalan City. Corporal Andin Jamison sustained minor injury on his right thigh.
Col. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, reiterated the Army’s continuing offensives against the communist rebels to put an end to their extortion activities.
“I encourage the people in Negros Occidental to report the NPA’s activities,” he said.
The 303rd Brigade, based in Murcia, Negros Occidental, can be reached through (0956) 328-2415 and (0947) 524-0587. (PNA)
