2 rebels fall; guns seized in Negros encounter

MANILA, Philippines - Two communist rebels were arrested and at least 13 firearms were seized after separate clashes with soldiers in Negros over the weekend.

Maj. Ray Tiongson, spokesman for the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, said they also received reports that two suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed and six others were wounded.

The encounters occurred on Saturday before 5 p.m. and at around 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Tiongson said Rene Villarin and Richard Gallego were captured in Barangay Bug-ang in Toboso town. They are being held at the Toboso police station.

Nine firearms, seven of them high-powered, were seized during the clash on Saturday. Four other high-powered firearms were recovered in another encounter with suspected NPA rebels on Sunday.

At least 114 M-14 rifle bullets, 32 AK-47 rifle bullets and a backpack with personal items were also recovered at the scene.

“We reiterate our call for the NPA to lay down their arms, avail of our Guns for Peace program as they join the mainstream society and live peacefully with their families,” said Brig. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, chief of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.

The military’s Guns for Peace Program provides cash incentives to former insurgents who surrender their weapons.

An incentive of P200,000 is given in exchange for light machine guns, P50,000 for M-16 rifles, P60,000 for M-14 rifles and P40,000 for grenade launchers.

Former rebels could also avail themselves of skills training seminars to start a livelihood.