NPA attacks greet new Negros Army commander

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Communist rebels have intensified their attacks as the Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (IB) gets a new commander.

Col. Benedict Arevalo of the 301st IB assumed the post on Monday, replacing Col. Alberto Desoyo.

On Tuesday, a police officer was wounded when New People’s Army (NPA) rebels raided a police outpost in Barangay Balugo, Guihulngan, Negros Oriental.

JB Regalado of the NPA’s Leonardo Panaligan command admitted that they were responsible for the killing of Rusty Caminade, a member of the civil defense group organized by the Moises Padilla municipal government, in Barangay Quinten Remo on Oct. 29.

The rebels seized Caminade’s caliber .45 pistol and handheld radio.

The NPA also claimed responsibility for the killing of M/Sgt. Celso Pedochino in Barangay Budlasan, Canlaon and militiaman Lando Sereno in Mani-ak, Guihulngan on Oct. 13.