Army battles Negros NPA

Armed Forces of the Philippines. (Photo: AFP's Facebook page)

Government troops in Negros Oriental stopped elements of a New People’s Army which were allegedly trying to terrorize communities in the province.

The 15th Infantry Battalion, while conducting Community Support Programs in Sitio Baliw, Brgy Bagtic, Mabinay town, had a brief encounter with the Maoist group at around 1:30 p.m. on Friday.

Residents tipped the NPA presence in the areas.

According to the 15th IB report, the group planned to disrupt government programs intended for the people.

The encounter lasted half-an-hour before the NPA retreated and were pursued.

“This encounter was the result of the continuing coordinative effort of the populace who had grown weary of the NPA menace and the unrelenting commitment of your army troops to protect the community from the NPA terrorists,” Brig. Gen. Ignacio Madriaga said.

“This event was a clear manifestation that the locals are no longer afraid of the NPA,” he added.

One M16 rifle with 11 magazines, one Anti-Personnel Mine, one rifle grenade, one commercial radio, personal belongings and subversive documents were recovered by the soldiers.

“This victory is a testimony of courage coupled with strong determination of our troops who are helping the Local Government Units ensure full implementation of programs that will alleviate the socio-economic problem affecting their localities,” Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command Commander Lt. Gen. Noel Clement said.