Army Kills 2 NPAs Treats Wounded Rebel

From the Negros Daily Bulletin (Apr 4): Army Kills 2 NPAs Treats Wounded Rebel

Soldiers of the 79th Infantry Battalion extended medical assistance to a New People’s Army (NPA) squad leader who was wounded and captured during yesterday morning’s encounter in Pamplona, Negros Oriental.

The soldiers also took care of the remains of two other rebels who died during that encounter with government troops 7:30 yesterday morning in Sitio Makasakasa, Brgy. Balayong in Pamplona.

1Lt Ronnie Sarmiento, 79th IB’s acting civil military operations officer said the wounded NPA, Jessie Dacaldacal alias Jukol/RC/Aiza, a squad leader of the NPA operating in Sta. Catalina and boundaries of Pamplona, was left behind by their comrades, together with the two still unidentified NPAs who died during the clash.

"The troops captured Dacaldacal and found out he had wounds on his neck and chest, so they applied first aid to prevent loss of blood while waiting for the ambulance. He was then brought to a hospital in Dumaguete City for immediate treatment," he said.

Lt. Col. Harold Anthony F. Pascua, Acting Commanding Officer of the 79th IB, said the situation in the area is already peaceful.

"Peace and order in Brgy. Balayong in Pamplona and adjacent barangays is back to normal. Our troops are still there to secure the communities against the rebels. The troops continue their pursuit operations and we will ensure that standard operating procedure will be observed as far as the captured NPA," Pascua said.

Major General Aurelio Baladad, 3rd Infantry Division commander, said "We condole and extend our deepest sympathy to the families of the slain NPA members. It was tragic that they have taken arms against the peace-loving people of Negros despite that they were given the chance to lay down their arms peacefully. There is another way to push their cause but not through violence."

Brigadier General Francisco M. Patrimonio, Commander of 302nd Brigade meanwhile stressed that the insurgency situation in the province is very manageable and the rebel’s activity is confined in the hinterland barangays.

"The NPA in Negros Oriental is already insignificant. The province is now moving out of the communist affectation as manifested by the desire of the people to once and for all move their province towards development. In fact, Negros Oriental will be formally declared as ‘Conflict Manageable and Development Ready’ province on April 25, 2014," Patrimonio disclosed.* (Edith B. Colmo)

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MEANWHILE, in a statement, the Army said forces under 79th IB based in Siaton, Negros Oriental neutralized the remnant forces of the lawless armed elements when they figured in that encounter with the NPA in Pamplona, Negros Oriental yesterday.

"Government forces under 1Lt. Tumamao received reports from the civilians regarding the presence of lawless armed elements, so they responded immediately. While conducting security patrol around 6:30 a.m. in the area, the troops confirmed the report from the residents and were able to locate the lawless armed elements. Being extra cautious of the safety and security of the civilians, the troops surrounded the location of the NPA and ensured that no one will be caught in between when the hostile situation arises," the statement said.

Baladad meanwhile stressed, "We will continue our efforts and work even more together with the LGUs, other government agencies, NGOs and the local communities in pursuing our goal for this province to become an insurgency-free Negros Oriental."

"We reiterate our call to those who continue with the protracted warfare to peacefully lay down their arms and abandon the armed struggle. With the IPSP Bayanihan, the main issues in our society are now being addressed. Let us foster this culture which has made significant progress in our thrust to end the insurgency for the sake of peace and development," Baladad added.

Members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) are now conducting investigation in the encounter site while troops of 79IB are 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.

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