3 rebels slain in Kabankalan clashes

BACOLOD CITY: Three unidentified remains of suspected rebels

were recovered following a series of encounters with government
forces in Sitio Bugne, Barangay Oringao, Kabankalan City, Negros
Occidental over the weekend.

The 94th Infantry Battalion reported that clashes with the alleged
members of the New People's Army (NPA) occurred at around 5 p.m.
on Saturday, February 4, and at 6 a.m. on Sunday, February 5.

According to a report, local residents had reported to authorities the

presence of armed men in the community, forcing the Philippine
Army and the Philippine National Police to launch an operation in the
area.

Upon reaching the vicinity of Sitio Bugne in Barangay Oringao, the

soldiers encountered around 15 armed individuals who scampered in
different directions after they were overpowered by the government
troopers.

The suspected communist terrorists eventually left behind their three

fallen comrades.

Also recovered from the encounter site were an M14 rifle, a caliber.38
pistol, a caliber.45 pistol, backpacks, and subversive documents.

Col. Orlando Edralin, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, thanked the

residents who reported the presence of armed men in the area.

"I am commending the vigilance of the local populace in helping and

giving our troops accurate and significant information indicating their
concern for the peace and order of their community. Their cooperation
with our troops manifests their genuine desire for an NPA-free
Kabankalan City. With the locals' overwhelming support, we are
confident that a peaceful and progressive Kabankalan can be
achieved," Edralin, in a statement, said.

The encounter, meanwhile, forced around 258 families or 829

individuals to evacuate their homes starting on Saturday afternoon.

The evacuees came from Sitios Mansawin, Pitgong, Nabalikan and

Pag-imokan in Barangay Oringao.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development regional office

has deployed food and nonfood items to the affected individuals on
Sunday.

At press time, the affected residents have already returned to their

homes.

Village head Wennie Penuela of Oringao said the Army has informed
them that the area has already been cleared and the threat has already
been contained.