Army troops, RPA-ABB men clash in Negros
Elements of 11th Infantry (Lapu-Lapu) Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army based in Brgy La Granja, La Carlota City, Negros Occidental encountered an armed group at about 1:30 p.m. yesterday, June 6, 2007, at Sitio Mantagpas, Brgy Balabag, La Carlota City.
The encounter resulted to the killing of one person, wounding of two others and capture of eight individuals who later identified themselves as members of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB).
Recovered from the group were five M16 rifles, one M14 rifle, one cal .45 pistol, one airgun, three rifle grenades, three cellphones, five backpacks containing personal belongings.
The government troops reacted to the information given by La Carlota City PNP personnel who acted as guide.
According to a PNP Personnel, who refused to be identified for security reasons, armed men were roaming around the area and were asking his whereabouts prompting him to report to hi superior who in turn requested 11IB to reinforce the PNP personnel.
As the troops were approaching, the armed group opened fire prompting government troops to return fire.
Sensing that the government troops have enveloped them, the armed men surrendered and identified themselves as RPA-ABB.
The troops brought the RPA/ABB casualties to La Carlota City Hospital for treatment.
The RPA/ABB elements did not coordinate with the PNP and Philippine Army in the area regarding their presence and activities. As the Comelec election period has not been terminated as of the present, the RPA/ABB was in violation of the Comelec gun ban.