‘Terrorists suffer serious blow in Negros’

CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – Five suspected members of the CPP-NPA terrorists died during a clash with government troops in Sitio Talingting, Brgy. Luyang, Mabinay, Negros Oriental midnight, around 12:45 a.m. yesterday, June 18.

The incident took place after joint elements of the 11th Infantry Battalion and 94th Infantry Battalion of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, as well as members of the PNP’s Regional Mobile Force Battalion 7 and Mabinay Municipal Police Station were formed to check on the reported presence of suspected armed individuals in the said community.

The firefight, which lasted for about 30 minutes, resulted to the death of five suspected members of the CPP-NPA, and the seizure of four high-powered firearms that includes M16 and AK-47 rifles, caliber .45 pistol, rifle grenades and an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), live ammunition, other war materials, and subversive documents.

Major General Eric C Vinoya, Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army, lauded the troops for responding successfully to the people’s appeal for help from the threats of terrorism. On the other hand, he also expressed his dismay on the senseless death of fellow Filipinos who only became victims of deceits and false promises of the CPP-NPA and their leaders.

“The result of this joint operations only shows the readiness of our troops to respond to the threats posed by terrorism in our community. It also depicts our ability to cooperate with our counterparts from the PNP as we respond to the call of our people for safety and security. For this, I commend our troops for their high regard to duty despite the risk on their own lives.” said Major General Vinoya.

“Despite this successful operation, it is sad to note that we lost the lives of our fellow Filipinos in a senseless death, yet again. We offer our condolences to the families and relatives of these individuals. Had it not for the deceitful recruitment and manipulation of the CPP-NPA-NDF, this incident would not happen. We continue to urge those who still bear arms and remain deceived by the CPP-NPA cadres to embrace peace or suffer the same fate as that of their dead comrades.” Vinoya added.*