• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebel leader died in an encounter with government troops in Sitio Calambia, Barangay Trinidad, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on Aug. 17.
The slain rebel leader was identified by the Philippine Army as Cristito “Dagohoy” Nilles Sr., acting secretary of Section 3 Guerilla Unit 3 of the dismantled Central Negros 1.
Nilles has pending arrest warrants for two counts of murder, crimes against International Humanitarian Law, and genocide as well as violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
Maj. Jecey Batiller, spokesman of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, said that Nilles was initially injured during the five-minute firefight with 62nd Infantry Battalion soldiers.
Batiller added that Nilles was later abandoned by his comrades in Sitio Uyangan, Barangay Budlasan, Canlaon City. His cadaver was discovered by pursuing troopers.
Soldiers also recovered an M16 assault rifle with three magazines containing ammunition and personal belongings from the encounter site.
Batiller said the encounter transpired when the troops, who were conducting security operations, were fired upon by the group of Nilles. | GPB
