• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Five high-powered guns and explosives were recovered by Philippine Army soldiers, following twin encounters with New People’s Army (NPA) remnants in Sitio Tagok, Barangay Carol-an, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on May 6.
Lt. Col. J-Jay Javines, public affairs chief of 3rd Infantry Division, said the first encounter, which lasted about 10 minutes, ensued after 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) troopers responded to reports on the presence of about nine rebels from the dismantled Central Negros 2 guerrilla front.
Almost an hour after, the blocking forces of 94IB encountered the fleeing rebels in a five-minute firefight, prompting the insurgents to disperse in various directions.
Soldiers recovered at the encounter site four M16 assault rifles, a caliber 5.56 carbine rifle, two rifle grenades, two backpacks, a bandoleer containing magazines filled with ammunition.
Javines said that traces of bloodstains were also discovered, which indicated that some of the fleeing rebels may have been injured while no one was hurt among the soldiers. | GB
