“NPA Rebel Armando Atoy Killed in Encounter with Military in Escalante City, Negros Occidental”

In the city of Bacolod, a recent encounter between the Philippine military and New People’s Army (NPA) resulted in the death of communist guerrilla Armando Atoy. The skirmish occurred in Barangay Libertad, Escalante City, Negros Occidental, and resulted in Atoy’s demise with two soldiers sustaining injuries in the line of duty. The 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) officially identified the deceased as Armando Atoy, also known as “Arnold” and “JunJun,” who hailed from Barangay San Pablo, Manapla town, Negros Occidental. Upon inspection of the scene, authorities uncovered an M14 rifle, three M14 magazines, twenty bullets, a bandolier, rifle grenades, grenade launcher ammunition, a camera, commercial radios, food supplies, subversive documents, and other personal belongings. The Army reported that Atoy’s parents, along with the city government of Escalante and Barangay San Pablo officials, claimed the remains of the deceased fighter.