2 NPA guerrillas die in Negros Oriental clash on Christmas Eve

Two suspected members of the New People's Army were killed in an encounter with government troops in Siaton, Negros Oriental on Thursday night, the military said Friday.

According to the Philippine Army's 3rd Infantry Division, troops from the 11th Infantry Battalion encountered suspected members of the Southeast Front, Komiteng Rehiyon Negros, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor (SEF, KR – NCBS) in Sitio Libjo, Barangay Napacao at 7:45 p.m.

Soldiers initially received reports regarding the presence of rebels in the area.

The clash resulted in the killing of two communist rebels, who were not yet identified. Aside from their bodies, the military recovered one caliber 5.56mm M653 (Baby Armalite) and one caliber .45 handgun.

They also seized some subversive documents, one bandolier with two magazines of M14, one backpack with medical supplies, two backpacks with personal belongings, and medical paraphernalia in the encounter site.

Lieutenant Colonel Ramir J Redosendo, commanding officer of the 11th Infantry Battalion, expressed gratitude to the local officials and residents of the barangay for providing authorities with information about the rebels.

He also condoled with the families of the killed rebels.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of those killed communist-terrorists. This could not have happened if the leaders of this communist-terrorist organization did not deceive and offered lies to its members,” Redosendo said.

On the other hand, Major General Eric Vinoya, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, said the incident was unfortunate but necessary in protecting civilians against the atrocities of the communists.

"Your Philippine Army will continue to fulfill its mandate 24/7 as more soldiers will be deployed on the ground just to make sure that everyone can celebrate the holiday season safe and sound," Vinoya said.

“We have been telling this all along, that there will be no good in fighting the government through violence and terrorism as the Philippine Army is mightier than any terrorist group such as the NPA. They only have two options, surrender or die fighting a lost cause,” he added.  —LBG, GMA News