5 soldiers killed, 2 injured in NPA encounter in Negros

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines –  Five Army soldiers were killed, while two others were wounded, in what the military reported as an encounter at 7:15 am Saturday, May 4, in Sitio Omas, Bgy. Camindangan, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental.

Col Rey Banares, deputy commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade (IB), confirmed the death of 5 soldiers, who were conducting clearing operations after suspected members of the New People’s Army allegedly burned a bunk house and generation set at the Philex Mining site. 

Initial reports said 4 soldiers were killed in a landmine blast, while another army soldier, who was critically injured, later died.

Banares, however, said they have yet to receive a confirmation from Lt Col Enriqueto Deocadez, 47th IB commander,  that the soldiers were killed in the landmine blast.

The Philippine National Police said the army troops who died in the encounter were identified as: Corporal Aljun Francisco (team leader); Private First Class (PFC) Charlie Magne Jomento; PFC Jan Granzo; Private (Pvt) Ramer Aguilario; and Pvt Bejnie Tolog. 

The police said government troops also lost 6 firearms — 4 M16, one M14 and one K3 rifles.

Capt. Franklin Embat, 47th IB civil military operations officer, said the two injured soldiers, PFC Romel Agustino and Cpl Ovimar Latiza, are now in stable condition.

Senior Supt Ricardo de la Paz, officer-in-charge of the Negros Occidental Police provincial office, said about 30 suspected rebels are involved in the burning of the Philex Mining Co. bunk house and its generator set.

The rebels ordered the occupants of the bunk house to leave, before they set it on fire, De la Paz said. 

In 2011, suspected rebels also raided the Philex Mining Co. compound in Bgy Nabulao, Sipalay City, burned two vehicles and a bunk house, and disarmed security guards, military records showed.

Separate attack in Cotabato

Meanwhile, two army personnel were hurt in a separate NPA attack in Cotabato on Friday, May 3.

A landmine exploded in the village of Binay around 1:15 pm Friday while 55th IB troops were patrolling Magpet, North Cotabato. The military claimed the landmine was planted by the NPA. 

Lt Nasrullah Sema, chief of the civil military operations of the 57th Infantry Battalion, said Corporal Rogelio de Vera and Private First Class Michael Abrazaldo were hurt in the blast but they are safe.

Due to the incident, Magpet mayor Efren Pinol, who is running for vice mayor, cancelled his sortie in Binay. – Rappler.com