Three Philippine Soldiers Killed in Clash with Communist Terrorists

Strategic Insights -

Government troopers clashed with communist terrorists in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, resulting in the deaths of three soldiers from the Philippine Army's 94th Infantry Battalion. The soldiers, identified as 2nd Lt. Ralf Amante Abibico, Cpl. Joel Nobleza, and Pfc. Carl Venice Bustamante, were killed during a 30-minute firefight. Four other soldiers were wounded but are in stable condition. The clash occurred as government troops were deployed to secure residents receiving social amelioration grants from the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The communist terrorists, who are waging a 51-year war against the government, are listed as a terrorist organization by several countries.

Key Takeaways:

  • The clash between government troopers and communist terrorists resulted in the deaths of three Philippine Army soldiers from the 94th Infantry Battalion.
  • The fatalities were identified as 2nd Lt. Ralf Amante Abibico, Cpl. Joel Nobleza, and Pfc. Carl Venice Bustamante.
  • Four other soldiers were wounded in the clash but are in stable condition in a hospital in Himamaylan City.
  • The communist terrorists were extorting food and money from residents when they were confronted by government troops.
  • The explosion immediately killed two soldiers, including Abibico, and the other soldier died while being evacuated.
  • The Philippine Army will heighten operations to capture the communist terrorists and stop them from sowing fear in the communities.
  • The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) has been waging a 51-year war against the government and is listed as a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United States, the European Union, and the Philippines.

Statistics:

  • Three soldiers from the 94th Infantry Battalion were killed in the clash with communist terrorists. (Source: Philippine Army)
  • Four soldiers were wounded in the same clash but are in stable condition. (Source: Philippine Army)
  • The communist terrorists have been waging a 51-year war against the government. (Source: Philippine Army)
  • The clash occurred in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, and involved government troops deployed to secure residents receiving social amelioration grants. (Source: Philippine Army)

Sources:

  • Philippine Army, statement from Maj. Gen. Eric Vinoya, commander of the 3ID.