Troops recover high-powered firearms with live ammunition and other items, including rifle grenades and subversive documents, after their encounter with CPP-NPA guerrillas in Calatrava, Negros Occidental last Wednesday which left three rebels dead. (Photo courtesy of 79th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)
BACOLOD CITY -- The remains of three Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) fighters killed in an encounter with government troops in Calatrava, Negros Occidental on April 17 have already been claimed by their families.
This was confirmed by the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade on Saturday night after releasing the names of the communist fatalities.
They were identified as Peter “Mark” Dayanan of Escalante City; Mae Roman Dayanan of Cadiz City; and Sulpicio Hernan Jr. of Don Salvador Benedicto town, all in northern Negros.
The three were among the 12 rebels who figured in a 30-minute gun battle with troopers of the 79th Infantry Battalion (79IB) in Sitio Banwa Minatay, Barangay Marcelo at around 5:30 p.m..
The following day, the 79th IB based in Sagay City released a photo of the cadavers which the troops turned over to the Calatrava municipal police and the local government.
Col. Emelito Thaddeus Logan, commander of the 79IB, encouraged the remaining members of the CPP-NPA in northern Negros to abandon the rebel movement and avail of the government program that will enable them to start a new a life.
The Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) entitles a former rebel to receive immediate assistance of PHP15,000; livelihood assistance, PHP50,000; firearms remuneration, PHP12,000 to PHP500,000; half-way house assistance; PhilHealth enrolment and medical assistance; education assistance; housing assistance; legal assistance; and healing and reconciliation initiatives.
The CPP-NPA, which recently marked 50 years of armed struggle, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
“The encounter is a clear manifestation that communities are tired of the extortions of the NPA and no longer want to be deceived,” Logan said in an earlier statement.
He said he deployed a platoon to the Calatrava village after residents complained of the NPA’s extortion activities.
After the encounter, the troops recovered an AK47 rifle, an M16 rifle, seven AK47 magazines, five M16 magazines, and four M14 magazines with live ammunition.
They also seized three rifle grenades, two handheld radios, 12 backpacks, personal items, and subversive documents. (PNA)
