• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Pursuit operations against remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on May 1 led to a series of encounters, resulting in the death of a suspected rebel and the recovery of high-powered firearms.
In a report, the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion identified the fatality as Tony Pahayay, whose body was recovered at the encounter site in Sitio Tubigan, Barangay Humay Humay.
A soldier was slightly injured after he was hit by a shrapnel of M203 grenade launcher fired by about nine remnants of the dismantled Central Negros 1 guerrilla.
The soldiers figured in three encounters with the fleeing rebel remnants.
According to the report, the soldiers recovered an M4 and M16 assault rifles, 30 5.56mm rounds of ammunition, assorted food supplies and personal belongings, and subversive documents.
In a statement, Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, commander of 3rd Infantry Division, lauded the bravery and swift response of the soldiers during the successive armed engagements.
Samson assured the family of the injured soldier that he is receiving the best medical care.
“Like any other soldier, his sacrifice is deeply valued,” he added.
On April 27, seven NPA rebel remnants, among them three top leaders in southern Negros, also died in a series of armed skirmishes with soldiers in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.
Seven high-powered firearms, including six M16 rifles and KG9 automatic pistol with ammunition, were recovered by the troopers. | GB
