Three alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in a series of clashes with soldiers of the 79th Infantry “Masaligan” Battalion in Sitio Mansulao, Barangay Pinapugasan , Escalante City, Negros Occidental on February 21, 2024.

Lieutenant Colonel Arnel Calaoagan, commanding officer of the 79th IB, said that the first encounter happened at 11:10 a.m.

The troops, he said, exchanged fire with members of what is believed to be remnants of the dismantled Northern Negros Front (NNF).

The encounter occurred after the troops responded reportedly to a tip-off of sources that a group of armed men were allegedly threatening, extorting, and collecting food by force in the area. 

The report added that a second firefight ensued at 2:17 p.m. 

Upon initial scouring at the encounter site, the troops found three dead bodies of alleged members of the CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) including a female combatant, all unidentified as of posting time.

Among the war materials seized reportedly by the troops were one AK47 rifle, one M653 rifle, one caliber .45, rifle grenades, anti-personnel mine, assorted cellphones, commercial radios, bandoliers, combat bag packs, and subversive documents.

Lt. Col. Calaoagan confirmed that four soldiers were also wounded during the encounter and are now in stable conditions. 

In an official statement, Calaogan said that the encounters  have "significantly shaken the surviving remnants of the dismantled NNF who are trying to regain their forces here in Northern Negros."

"It is just unfortunate that another lives were wasted, fighting for a senseless cause. But we will not put our guards down. We will remain steadfast in our commitment to sustain the gains and be relentless in ensuring the safety and security of the Negrenses. Likewise, we reiterate our call to the remaining members of the CTGs; surrender lay down your arms and embrace a renewed life with your families, we will be with you along the way for we will not stop nor be shaken in the performance of our duty towards our goal of proclaiming Negros as a province under the Stable Peace and Internal Security (SIPS) stage,” the statement reads further. 

( Info via 79th Infantry "Masaligan" Battalion, 3ID, PA)