1 soldier hurt, 2 Cebuanos fall in Negros Oriental encounter

CEBU, Philippines - One soldier was injured and three students from Cebu were arrested in an alleged encounter between the elements of the 79th Infantry Battalion and the New People’s Army in Sitio Pulang Yuta, Barangay Mayabon, Zamboangita, Negros Oriental last Sunday evening.

Private First Class Angelo Mones sustained injuries to his abdomen and right fingers when the alleged communist rebels fired shots at him when he tried to stop the two motorcycles being used by the suspects during a checkpoint.

During the shootout, the three alleged NPA members reportedly fell to the ground that led to their arrest.

Arrested were Maria Carla Alvarico, 22, alias “Janet Macarasig,” a licensed nurse of Velez hospital and resident of Plaridel St., Barangay Umapad Mandaue City; Carlo Cabahug, 22, an Associate Computer Technician student of the University of San Carlos and resident of Maguikay, Mandaue City and Absin Glen Felamer, 22, alias “Bryan,” a political science student of the University of Cebu and resident of Plaridel, Guihulngan, Negros Oriental.

Alvarico, chairperson of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines, allegedly took over the position of Rachelle Mae Palang, a resident of Consolacion, Cebu, who was also killed in the battle between the AFP and the rebels in September last year in Dauin, Negros Oriental. Palang also happened to be a nursing student of Cebu Velez College and an officer of the CEGP before her death.

On the other hand, Cabahug is allegedly the team leader of the organizing committee of underground movement Sa Kabataang Makabayan while Felamer is reportedly a member of the League of Filipino Students.

Prior to the incident, elements of the 79th IB composed of seven men led by 1st Lt. Ramon Salvador were conducting combat patrol and checkpoints when they received information that NPA members are coming.

When they saw two motorcycles coming, Mones allegedly flagged them down for a check but instead of stopping, the suspects allegedly pulled guns and fired shots at the government troops and resulted in the shootout.

The three suspects were arrested but their other companions were allegedly able to escape on board the motorcycles.

During a follow-up operation, the military recovered .38 caliber revolver, back packs, first aid kit, rope, and subversive that were allegedly owned by the NPA rebels. Blood-stained clothes were also found which made the authorities believe that there was also an injured in the rebels’ side.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Oscar Lasangue, 3rd Civil Relation Officer of Centcom said the two alleged NPA members who were arrested came from Cebu and were in Negros Oriental to help their group in recruiting other individuals to join their activities.

PRO-7 chief of staff Vicente Loot added rebels go to mountainous places to recruit some former students and conduct emersion programs there. He added there was an encounter so there was also an aggression.

The authorities are still evaluating the evidences recovered from the NPA rebels for the filing of appropriate cases to be filed in court. – Gabriel C. Bonjoc/WAB   (FREEMAN NEWS)