Army, NPA clash in Himamaylan

From the Sun Star-Bacolod (Oct 7, 2019): Army, NPA clash in Himamaylan

SOLDIERS of the 33rd Division Reconnaissance Company (33rd DRC) under the 62nd Infantry Battalion (62nd IB) encountered more or less than 15 New People's Army (NPA) terrorists at 5:20 a.m. Sunday, October 6, in Sitio Bugo, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

According to the army report, the clash happened after 62IB troops discovered an NPA lair nearby Sitio Ulitao in the same barangay, a day earlier.

A firefight ensued for 30 minutes after which the NPAs withdrew toward southeast of Sitio Balatugan in the same barangay.

No casualties from the government troops were reported, but at least two NPAs were killed based from local witnesses and bloodstains left in enemy positions.

Recovered from the site were 45 rounds of ammunition for M16 rifle, trip wires for anti-personnel mines (IED), one backpack, one hammock, one poncho, a medical kit, medicines, two NPA sweatshirts, and a wallet.

"To our soldiers, let's continue attacking these extortionist-terrorist NPAs before they attack us. Once again, I urge everyone to continue supporting government forces in order to prevent the NPAs from exploiting and victimizing the people," 303rd Infantry Brigade Commander Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo said.

The troops are currently clearing the area and conducting pursuit operations.

This is the third encounter in Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan, Negros Occidental and the 15th armed clash of soldiers under the 303rd Brigade against the NPAs this year.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1826453