Fatalities in Negros clashes climb to 8

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The number of fatalities in the series of armed encounters in Candoni, Negros Occidental increased to eight after a cadaver of another suspected rebel was found at the scene of the firefight yesterday.

Army troopers launched a pursuit operation against the fleeing rebels, who left behind their seven dead comrades following the encounter in Sitio Cogon, Barangay Gatuslao on Nov. 21.

Another clash broke out the following day in Sitio Soso in the same barangay, which resulted in the death of another suspected rebel, according to Lt. Col. Bryan Bagaipo, acting chief of the Army’s 15th Infantry Battalion.

Troopers recovered several rifles, grenades, improvised explosive devices, two commercial radios, ammunition, 16 backpacks and subversive documents.

The encounter reportedly ensued yesterday along the boundary of Candoni and Hinobaan towns. No one was reported killed or wounded in the clash.

Last Friday, the Army’s 47th Infantry Battalion, in coordination with local officials, facilitated the burial of six of the seven fatalities who were identified only by their aliases.

The remains of the seventh fatality, identified as Jonel Saroa, was claimed by his family.

The eighth fatality has yet to be identified.