REBEL BELONGINGS. Soldiers recover various weapons and personal belongings of New People's Army rebels after a clash in Escalante City, Negros Occidental on Thursday (July 15, 2021). The firefight occurred after soldiers received a tip-off from residents. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)
DUMAGUETE CITY – A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed while two others were captured in a clash on Thursday with soldiers of the 79th Infantry Battalion (79IB) in Barangay Malasibog, Escalante City in Negros Occidental.
A media release from the Philippine Army said the firefight happened as the troops were conducting security patrol after receiving a tip from residents on the presence of armed men in the village.
The clash that lasted for five minutes resulted in the death of Wilson Enrolizo Yanog Jr., of Sitio Tinibiangan, Barangay Minapasuk, in Calatrava, Negros Occidental.
Meanwhile, two other rebels identified as Joel Manguiran and Jessie Labisto were captured by the soldiers.
Troops recovered from the clash site a .45 caliber pistol, a 9mm caliber pistol, ammunition, cellular phones, backpacks with various personal belongings, and subversive documents.
Lt. Col. J-jay T. Javines, commanding officer of the 79IB, attributed the success of the operation to the support of the local populace and the local government units to the fight against insurgency and terrorism.
The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)
