Rebel dead, 2 others hurt in Escalante clash

CEBU, Philippines - A rebel died while two others, including a soldier, were injured in a clash between the army troopers and members of the New People’s Army at Barangay Dian-ay in Escalante City, Negros Occidental, Friday morning.

Major Ray Tiongson, spokesperson of the 3rd Infantry Division, said identification of the slain NPA rebel is still being withheld prior notification of the next of kin.

Injured during the encounter were 1st Lieutenant John Rey Espinosa, who was rushed to a hospital in Bacolod City and is now in stable condition, and an alleged NPA member Romly Palotes, who suffered minor injuries but was brought by the 62nd Infantry Battalion personnel to a hospital.

Lieutenant Colonel Rommel Cordova, commander of the 62nd Infantry Battalion, said his troops were on their way to check on the reported presence of lawless armed elements in Dian-ay village when they were fired upon by about 10 members of the Northern Negros Front, Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros of the NPA.

“Our troops resorted to fire back and firefight ensued for ten minutes. The NPA rebels withdraw in disarray leaving behind one of their dead comrades,” Cordova said, adding that blood stains were seen along the rebels’ withdrawal paths.

Major General Aurelio Baladad, commander of the 3rd ID, said the military and the local government units, the civil society organizations, the clergy, other stakeholders and the peace loving people of Negros continue to tell the NPA to listen to the call for peace of the people. “Abandon the armed struggle and let us work together in peacefully solving our problems,” he said.

Baladad expressed his sympathy to the family and relatives of the killed NPA rebel. “It is very tragic that he has taken arms against the people of Negros when only through peace can development and social justice be achieved,” he added.  (FREEMAN)