PH Army: 6 NPA members killed in Negros Occidental clash

Six suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in an encounter with government troops in Candoni, Negros Occidental early Thursday morning, according to the Philippine Army.

In a statement, the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division said it conducted a combat operation around 3:43 a.m. after they received information of the presence of insurgents belonging to the South West Front (SWF), Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor (KR-NCBS).

 Following the encounter in Barangay Gatuslao, soldiers also recovered five M16 rifles, two AK-47 rifles, and one M653 rifle from the area of the firefight.

The Army said the identities of the fatalities are still being verified.

No casualties were reported among the government troops.

“Our fight against the remnants of the CTG in Negros is an ongoing effort. This successful encounter reaffirms our commitment to denying this terrorist group the space and opportunity to resurge,” said Major General Marion Sison, the commanding officer of the 3rd Infantry Division.

He also urged the remaining NPA members to surrender.

“There is still time to choose a peaceful way where you can have a fresh start. Lay down your arms and return to the fold of the law,” Sison urged.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has said it intends to eradicate the four remaining NPA guerilla fronts by the end of the year. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News