Armed clashes erupt in Guihulngan

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 1): Armed clashes erupt in Guihulngan

Armed clashes between government forces and New People's Army erupted anew yesterday in Sitio Agpapatao, Brgy. Sandayao, Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental.

The encounter took place after soldiers of the 79th Infantry Battalion responded to an information relayed to them by residents in the area about the presence of about 30 rebels, who were recruiting new members, Capt. Eduardo Precioso, 303 rd Infantry Brigade spokesman, said last night.

Precioso said the 79IB initially recovered an M14 assault rifle with ammunition, war materials and subversive documents at the encounter site, as they pressed their pursuit operations against the fleeing rebels.

He said residents were already fed up by the food foraging activities of the NPA, who engaged in recruitment activities.

Citing testimonies of some populace, Precioso said residents initially extended food assistance and money, believing that the NPA will leave their community.

But they were wrong about their actions, he added.

The encounter took place several days after the NPA went on a rampage in Calatrava and Escalante City in Negros Occidental, staging an ambush of two civilians and burning an abandoned detachment, and killing a former Army soldier in Canlaon City in Negros Oriental.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/July/01/negor3.htm