CAUAYAN, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL — A 64-year-old combatant of the New People's Army (NPA), identified as Ramon Moico Enseniales, was killed during a brief encounter with the Philippine Army's 15th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Basak, Cauayan, on Monday. This incident marks another violent clash between government forces and the rebel group in southern Negros.
According to Philippines News Agency, the skirmish, which lasted approximately two minutes, occurred around noon when troops engaged with about five NPA rebels. Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, commander of the 3ID, credited the successful operation to the cooperation between the military and the local community, which led to the neutralization of Enseniales. Following the encounter, the other rebels fled, leaving behind Enseniales' body, which was later identified by his wife, Epeania. During the subsequent clearing operation, soldiers recovered an improvised shotgun, two hand grenades, three mobile phones, personal items, and documents deemed of high intelligence value.