9 Negros rebels slain in NPA infighting

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – Infighting among leaders of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros Occidental and demoralization among their cadres have resulted in the killing of nine guerrillas and wounding of 17 others, a military official said.

In northern Negros, Col. Jonas Sumagaysay, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said a series of clashes and mistaken encounters took place recently, including the shootout between followers of a certain Ka Tirok and Ka Aiza last May 5, killing four rebels and wounding six others.

Also on May 5, a mistaken encounter between two NPA groups occurred at the boundary of Toboso town and Escalante City, causing injuries to two rebels.

“This only shows the deteriorating state in the discipline and training of NPA members, aside from the widespread demoralization in the rank-and-file because of infighting among their leaders,” Sumagaysay said.

Military records show that a series of clashes among NPA members themselves and mistaken encounters also took place in Barangays San Jose and General Luna in Toboso town, and Barangay Malatas in Calatrava town.

Meanwhile, an Army soldier and nine suspected NPA rebels were wounded in clashes also in Barangay Malatas in Calatrava last month, the military said.