The New People’s Army (NPA)-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command) launched a harassment operation against 62nd IB troopers in Barangay Imelda, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on June 15. The armed action killed three fascist soldiers.

Ka JB Regalado said the Red army fired an M203 grenade launcher at the 62nd IB troopers. The unit accurately hit the group of soldiers who were resting in Sitio Lip-o after their operation in the forest.

Residents reported that at 10 p.m., the soldiers secretly loaded the three bodies onto a truck and covered them with a tarpaulin to bring them to the city center. The soldiers reportedly prevented civilians from looking or asking questions about the incident.

“The tactical offensive launched by [NPA-Central Negros] is a concrete response to the just demand of the people against the fascist and desperate 62nd IB’s relentless military operations, threats, and abuses,” Ka JB said.

The spokesperson added that this is a huge slap in the face of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), their paramilitary forces, and even the National Task Force-Elcac, who repeatedly claim that the people’s army and the revolutionary movement in Central Negros have weakened.

Meanwhile, Ka JB condemned the 62nd IB for its rampage and indiscriminate firing at nearby houses in Barangay Imelda in retaliation. The incident, which violated international humanitarian law, caused extreme fear and trauma among the residents.