Soldiers, rebels clash anew in Negros

From the Business World (Sep 19): Soldiers, rebels clash anew in Negros

Government troops clashed with suspected communist rebels Tuesday in the town of Sta. Catalina in Negros Oriental.

No one was reported hurt during the encounter that lasted about 30 minutes.

Brig. Gen. Aurelio B. Baladad, 3rd Infantry Division commander, said in a statement that troops of the 79th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion (IB) led by Lt. Mark G. Calamba were conducting security patrol when they encountered about 15 suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) at around 1 p.m. on Tuesday.

The soldiers recovered a pair of binoculars and personal belongings. “We will ensure that these lawless armed elements will be unable to threaten the peace-loving civilians in the locality,” Mr. Baladad said.

In May this year, troops of the 79th IB also figured in a series of encounters in different villages in Sta. Catalina. Several self-confessed rebels surrendered after the clashes.

Last week, Scout Rangers of the Philippine Army arrested three suspected NPA members during an encounter in Guihulngan City.

Brig. Gen. Francisco Patrimonio, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, identified the captured suspects as Jessie Abing, 25, of Barangay Nasunggan, La Libertad; Thomas Esugan, 19, of Barangay Buenavista in Guihulngan; and a 17-year-old from Barangay Camandag in La Castellana.

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=Soldiers,-rebels-clash-anew-in-Negros&id=76771