Rebel killed, guns seized in

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 15): Rebel killed, guns seized in
Binalbagan encounters

 

A suspected member of the New People's Army was killed, while eight firearms were recovered after a series of encounters between Army soldiers and a group of armed men believed to be rebels in Sitio Mainit, Brgy. Santol, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, yesterday.

 

Lt. Col. Paulito Idul, 11 th Infantry Battalion commander, said nine persons, who were at the encounter sites, some of whom had firearms, were also taken into custody, for investigation, and to determine if they are, indeed, rebels.

 

Idul said the running gunbattle the between 11 th IB soldiers and about 20 rebels, lasted from 6 a.m. until 9 a.m.

 

While scouring the encounter sites, the cadaver of a suspected rebel was found apparently left behind by his fleeing comrades. His identity, however, has not been established yet, Idul said.

 

1Lt. Von Ryan Gomez, 11 th Infantry Battalion Civil Military Operations, said the series of encounters resulted in the recovery of eight firearms, including four shotguns with seven live ammunition, two 357 caliber magnum revolvers with 15 ammunition, a .45 caliber pistol with 18 live ammunition, and an improvised M-14 rifle (single shot), with five ammunition.

 

Idul said that some of the recovered firearms were taken from the nine persons.

 

There were reports that some of the nine persons at the encounter site are members of the Barangay Defense System, who were harvesting their crops, while the running gunbattle was raging.

 

Idul said they will be released as soon their identities have been verified.

 

He added that the encounter took place as his troops were on clearing operations, following deployment of 11IB Bayanihan Team members in the area.

 

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/July/15/topstory7.htm