Gov’t troops discover abandoned NPA lair in Kabankalan

Soldiers from the Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion (94IB) has found an abandoned lair of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the hinterlands of Kabankalan City.

Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, commander of 94IB, said that his men discovered the NPA hideout in Sitio Tara, Barangay Tan-awan Thursday based on the information provided by locals being harassed by armed rebels for food.

“We are thankful that the masses are now cooperating with the government forces,” he said.

Almonte said the hideout can accommodate at least 20 individuals and was also possibly used to train NPA recruits.

Items recovered from the rebel hideout included a back pack, hammock, pair of boots, personal belongings, and subversive documents.

This is the second time that 94IB troopers have discovered a rebel hideout in Barangay Tan-awan.

In July last year, they also found a temporary shelter in Sitio Buko, where they recovered a firearm with ammunition, improvised explosive device components, as well as personal items, after engaging communist rebels in a firefight at Sitio Manulaya.

Following the latest development, Almonte reiterated his call for NPA rebels in central Negros to return to the fold of the law.

“Surrender now, before it’s too late. Your families are waiting for you to celebrate the Yuletide season together,” he said.* (Nanette Guadalquiver)