Rebel killed in Negros clashes

From the Manila Times (Jul 9, 2023): Rebel killed in Negros clashes (By Eugene Y. Adiong)

BACOLOD CITY: A suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebel was killed Friday in renewed armed clashes with government troops in Sitio Pangi, Barangay Carabalan in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, 94th Infantry Battalion commander, said the unidentified slain NPA member was left behind at the encounter site by his fleeing comrades, who scampered in various directions.

Almonte said the first encounter took place at about 7:30 a.m. in the area, after Army soldiers responded to a tip by a disgruntled NPA member on the presence of his former comrades who were extorting food from the villagers.

A photo released by the 94th Infantry Battalion shows the extortion letters left behind by suspected members of the New People’s Army after a clash with government troops on Friday, July 7, 2023, in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

He added that two backpacks containing extortion letters and personal belongings were left behind by the armed men who retreated in the northward direction.

Pursuing soldiers then clashed with the fleeing rebels about 2 kilometers from the first encounter site. It was followed by another gun battle, which lasted about 10 minutes before the disoriented NPA members fled in separate directions, Almonte added.

While government troops were scouring the two encounter sites, they recovered the cadaver of the still unidentified rebel as well as an M4A1 automatic assault rifle with a magazine containing ammunition, he added.

The series of encounters also led to the temporary displacement of several families, who stayed at the covered court of Barangay Carabalan in Himamaylan City for safety.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office has extended immediate assistance to the evacuees.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/07/09/regions/rebel-killed-in-negros-clashes/1899789