• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A hideout of New People’s Army (NPA) remnants was seized by Philippine Army soldiers following a series of encounters in Barangay Santo Niño, Tanjay City, Negros Oriental on Feb. 15.
The renewed clashes between 11th Infantry Battalion soldiers and combined remnants of the dismantled South East and South West Fronts of Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros claimed the life a soldier and slightly injured another.
Troops recovered from the encounter sites a hand grenade, long and short magazines of caliber .45 and M16 assault rifle containing ammunition, personal belongings, and other subversive documents.
Brig. Gen. Jason Jumawan, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, said rebels in southern Negros are trying to consolidate their mass-based organizations and lost territories, following the almost decimation of their forces.
In a press briefing on Monday, Jumawan said they will not allow the NPA to recover their mass bases in Negros Oriental.
In a statement, the leadership of the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) commended the relentless efforts of the troops in preventing rebel remnants from resurging as it also honored the heroism of an Army soldier who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect communities.
“We will ensure that the sacrifice of our soldier will never be in vain. His courage and heroism will fuel the 3ID’s resolve in putting the rebel group to its final end,” its commander Maj. Gen. Michael Samson said. | GB
