 links: http://www.army.mil.ph/pr/2014/may/250514.html Four NPA killed, two gave up and one firearm recovered after series of encounters in Negros Oriental
Tanjay City, Negros Oriental
– Government troops from 79th Infantry “Masaligan” Battalion recovered
one (1) firearm and four body counts, while (2) militia members gave up
after series of encounters with lawless elements at Sitio Pitawa, Brgy
Sto. Niño, Tanjay City, Negros Oriental at 4p.m. Saturday May 24, 2014.
The troops were conducting community
security patrol to check on the reported presence of lawless armed
elements at said barangay when they were fired upon by more or less
twenty four (24) NPA members. The troops resorted to fire back and a
firefight ensued for thirty five (35) minutes. The NPA withdrew to
different directions.
The series of encounters resulted to the
killing of four (4) NPA rebels, two (2) of them were identified by the
former rebels who just returned to democratic folds as Diosdado “Aming”
Dacal-dacal alias GIM/ADONIS/MARCO, Squad Leader of Sentro De Grabidad
(SDG) Platoon, Southeast Front, KR-Negros (SEF, KR-N) and Felix Yanoc.
The identities of the other two dead rebels are being determined as of
this report.
The identities of (2) militia members
who gave up after the encounters are currently being withheld for their
safety and security. One (1) who reportedly sustained wound on his right
foot was immediately treated by the Masaligan medical team. They were
treated humanely and apprised of their constitutional rights.
Brigadier General Francisco Patrimonio,
Commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade said “This is our commitment to
the province of Negros Oriental, to protect their place and secure the
populace from these lawless elements as the province is moving out of
the communist affectation.”
Recovered from the NPA were one (1) M16
rifle; one (1) Kenwood handheld radio; one (1) bandoleer; subversive
documents of high intelligence value; food stuffs and personal
belonging.
Meanwhile, Corporal Melbert Dapilaga of
79IB also sustained a minor injury on his left shoulder from grenade
shrapnel during the encounter. He is now in stable condition after he
was treated in a hospital in Dumaguete City.
The troops while pursuing the lawless
elements saw some NPA members were wounded while on the run and believed
that several others were also wounded due to bloodstains in the NPA's
route of withdrawal.
Ltc Harold Anthony Pascua, Commander of
79IB said “We condole and extend our deepest sympathy to the families of
slain rebels. It was tragic that they have taken arms against the
peaceloving people of Negros Oriental. We have alerted our medical team
in any time that those wounded NPA members would seek for medical
assistance. We call on those rebels to come out, lay down their arms
peacefully and be given proper medical attention. They are being
assured that their human rights will be respected.”
The 3ID’s leadership on the other hand
acknowledged the efforts of the community for the timely reporting of
presence of lawless elements in their area. It indicates the strong
desire of the people to move away from communist affectation and help
their province towards development.
MGen Baladad commended the troops for
their professionalism and observcance to human rights and the rule of
law. “As we continue with our follow-on operations, our soldiers were
instructed to strictly follow the rule of law and put the safety of our
people as the primary consideration. Again, we thank the residents of
Brgy Sto Niño, Tanjay City for these efforts as they provided the
necessary information which led to the successful conduct of our
operations.”
“Armed struggle and violence only
continue to hamper growth and development in this part of the country.
We hope that the NPA would embrace peace, abandon the armed struggle and
work with us together with other stakeholders in the Filipino spirit of
Bayanihan, to end this conflict and move forward towards peace and
progress,” Baladad added.
Additional Troops are now in the area
conducting pursuit operations to run after the fleeing rebels while
members of the Philippine National Police Scene of the Crime Operatives
(SOCO) conducted investigation in the encounter site.
Troops of 79IB are also in close
communication with the barangay officials to ensure the safety and
security of the residents in the area. Likewise, coordination is being
made with the local officials for the assistance that will be extended
for the decent burial of the slain NPA members.
Press release from DPAO, 3ID, PA
PHILIPPINE ARMY
AFP Websites
PROTECTION AND PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
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Friday, May 30, 2014
Four NPA killed, two gave up and one firearm recovered after series of encounters in Negros Oriental
