Firearms recovered from Army-NPA clash site in NegOr town

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 15,2021): Firearms recovered from Army-NPA clash site in NegOr town (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

RECOVERED. The firearms and other items recovered from the site of a clash between troops of the 11th Infantry Battalion (11IB) of the Philippine Army and around six suspected members of the New People's Army in Siaton, Negros Oriental on Sunday (Feb. 14, 2021). Capt. Francis Salcedo, 11IB public information officer, said the encounter occurred following a tip from the community on the presence of armed men in the area. (Photo courtesy of 11IB, Philippine Army)

Government troops of the 11th Infantry Battalion (11IB), Philippine Army, have seized firearms and other items following a brief exchange of gunfire with suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Siaton, Negros Oriental on Sunday.

In an interview on Monday, Capt. Francis Salcedo, 11IB public information officer, said the encounter occurred following a tip from the community on the presence of armed men in Sitio Balaskan, Barangay Napacao in Siaton town.

The operating troops engaged more or less six suspected NPA members believed to be remnants of the Southeast Front, Komiteng Rehiyon Negros, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor (SEF, KR-NCBS), he said.

The firefight lasted for about 15 minutes after which the suspects fled in different directions, leaving behind some of their belongings which the soldiers recovered.

These include an M16 rifle, one .45 caliber pistol, a laptop, five cellular phones, personal belongings, and “subversive documents”.

Salcedo said the clash site is in the vicinity of another encounter last December that resulted in the death of two suspected NPA members.

"I would like to express my gratitude to the community for providing timely information that led to the successful operation. Another win for the government forces and Negrosanon," Lt. Col. Ramir Redosendo, commanding officer of 11IB, was quoted as saying.

"Your Army in Negros Oriental is determined to end the local communist armed conflict in the province. We will continue to safeguard the people and the community against those who continue to pursue their twisted ideology and sow terror," he added. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1130680