NPA suffers stinging setbacks in Negros – Army

From the Manila Bulletin (May 22, 2023): NPA suffers stinging setbacks in Negros – Army (By GLAZYL MASCULINO)

BACOLOD CITY – The Army 3rd Infantry Division (ID) said that the New People’s Army (NPA) suffered enormously, with the death of 10 rebels, the surrender of two other rebels, and recovery of 16 firearms in series of clashes in Negros Island over the weekend.

SOME firearms and ammunition, as well as war materiel, were recovered in Barangay Trinidad, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, following an encounter that killed four NPA rebels on Sunday, May 21. (Photo courtesy of 3ID)

Major Gen. Marion Sison, 3rd ID commander, said that it is tragic that they have taken arms against the Filipino people, as he extended his deepest sympathy to the families and friends of those killed.

“Had they heeded my call, this demise will not happen to them, and their families will not mourn their loss. It is really sad to see parents claiming the bodies of their sons and daughters from funeral homes,” Sison said.

Sison reiterated his ultimatum to NPA rebels to surrender or they will face their worst nightmare.

“I have forewarned you numerous times that your only choice is to surrender. We can be friends, but if you continue espousing terrorism, death will always come to your doorstep. I will be your worst nightmare for the rest of your lives,” Sison said.

The series of clashes first transpired in Barangay Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, killing five NPA rebels, and displaced at least 800 residents on Saturday, May 20.

It was followed by another clash in Barangay Trinidad, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, killing another four NPA rebels on Sunday, May 21. This encounter prompted two rebels to surrender to the government.

On that same day, another clash happened in Barangay Caliling, Cauayan, Negros Occidental, killing another NPA rebel.

The Army also seized explosives, magazines and ammunition, propaganda materials, personal belongings, and other war materiel.

“We are tracking them (NPAs) in precision because of the people’s support,” Sison said, as he thanked them for supporting the anti-insurgency campaign of the government.

In response to their clamor for an NPA-free community, we will be relentless in our efforts to pursue these rebels until they are incapable of sowing fear and terror, Sison said.

https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/22/npa-suffers-stinging-setbacks-in-negros-army