A government armed auxiliary member was killed, and two soldiers were wounded after an armed group attacked military personnel in Escalante City, Negros Occidental, on Tuesday afternoon, the Army reported Wednesday.
Members of the 79th Infantry Battalion’s Mobile Community Support and Sustainment Program (MCSSP) were conducting a security patrol in Sitio Bautista, Barangay Malasibog, when the attack occurred.
The ensuing firefight lasted about 10 minutes.
The slain militia was identified as a member of the CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA).
The two wounded soldiers were transported to a nearby hospital and are currently in stable condition.
Maj. Gen. Joey A. Escanillas, commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, condemned the attack and stated that military operations in the area will continue.
‘This attack shows the stark contrast between those working with communities toward peace and development and those who continue to resort to violence,’ Escanillas said.
‘Violence will not stop us from working with our partners to bring security, government services, and opportunities closer to the people,’ he said.
Escanillas offered condolences to the fallen auxiliary’s family, assured full support from the Philippine Army, and urged residents to report suspicious activity to authorities.