Moises padilla: The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) has initiated an investigation into the clash between troops of the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion (62IB) and remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental on Oct. 28. The incident claimed the life of a six-year-old boy believed to have been hit by the indiscriminate firing of the fleeing rebels.
According to Philippines News Agency, NOCPPO Director Col. Dennis Wenceslao stated that efforts are being made to establish the circumstances of the incident and ensure accountability while extending assistance to the child’s family. “We deeply sympathize with the family of the young victim. NOCPPO will leave no stone unturned in ensuring a transparent and just investigation in coordination with the Philippine Army and all concerned agencies,” he added.
The encounter occurred shortly before 9 a.m. at Sitio Matal-i in Barangay Quintin Remo. After a brief firefight, the rebel remnants under the NPA Central Negros 1 fled, and the boy from Sitio Inangaw was later found to have been killed by a stray bullet. The Moises Padilla Municipal Police, led by Capt. Armel Lasap, coordinated with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to conduct verification and an initial investigation.
The victim’s remains were taken to the Nalagon Funeral Homes for a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death. Police investigators have assisted the victim’s parents in executing their sworn statements. Coordination meetings have also commenced between the 62IB, the Moises Padilla police, and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion – Negros Island Region.
Col. Wenceslao emphasized the ongoing collaboration with the 62IB and local government authorities to maintain peace and order in Moises Padilla and nearby areas, stating, “Ensuring the safety and welfare of civilians remains paramount.”
In an earlier statement, Brig. Gen. Jason Jumawan, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade, reported that the rebel remnants have been conducting extortion activities in the area, prompting the deployment of soldiers to ensure the safety of the residents. “The soldiers were compelled to defend themselves while remaining mindful of the civilians nearby. Their primary intent was to push the terrorists away from the populace and secure the community,” he noted.
Brig. Gen. Jumawan also condemned the actions of the NPA remnants, stating that they were fully aware of the populated area yet attacked the soldiers without regard for civilian safety. “We strongly condemn this inhumane and barbaric act of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front by attacking our troops in a populated area that endangered civilian lives,” he said.
