• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
All nearby police stations in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental have been required to validate reports requiring response to avoid the “bait and catch” tactics of the New People’s Army (NPA), following an encounter that claimed the life of a minor on Oct. 28.
Three years ago, a “bait and catch” happened in Barangay Bia-o, Binalbagan, where two policemen were injured in an ambush staged by NPA rebels while responding to a shooting incident.
PLt. Col. Joem Malong, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region, said police units were also instructed to ensure that all their tactical movements should be properly coordinated with the operating Philippine Army troops.
A seven-year-old boy was hit in the head by a stray bullet, following an encounter between 62nd Infantry Battalion soldiers and suspected NPA remnants in Sitio Matila, Barangay Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla.
The fleeing rebels engaged in indiscriminate firing to delay the pursuing soldiers while withdrawing, hitting the minor, according to the Philippine Army.
Recovered from the encounter site were assorted foodstuff and personal belongings as well as empty fired cartridges of M203 grenade launcher and M16 assault rifles.
All hospitals and health facilities within the area of responsibility were placed under observation for possible admission of wounded rebel remnants.
Malong said checkpoint operations have also been conducted in strategic areas to intercept possible rebel movements. | GB
