A suspected member of the New People’s Army Special Partisan Unit died in an encounter with soldiers of the 79th Infantry Battalion on June 22 in Sitio Icugan, Brgy. Minapasuk, Calatrava, Negros Occidental.
Lt. Col. J-Jay Javines, 79th Infantry Battalion commander, said that his troops responded to reports of civilians about the presence of a group of armed men in their community, which later triggered to a gunbattle that lasted about five minutes.
Javines said that the fleeing rebels left behind their slain companion, identified later by Minapasuk barangay chairman Johnny Guilot as Johnrey Pahayahay, a member of NPA Special Partisan Unit.
The group, Javines said, were recruiting new members of NPA while conducting extortion activities in the hinterland sitios of the barangay.
Also recovered from the encounter site, aside from the cadaver of Pahayahay, were a caliber 45 pistol, a 38 caliber revolver and subversive documents.
Javines raised the possibility that more rebels were injured in the clash as traces of blood were discovered along the NPA withdrawal routes.
As he lauded the timely information relayed by civilians to his troops, Javines said that Calatrava Mayor Marilyn Era also issued a statement commending the Philippine Army for its commitment and dedication on ensuring the safety of the residents. — GB
