They knew fully well that at least 20 terrorist soldiers from the Intelligence Service of the AFP (ISAFP) at Military Intelligence Batallion (MIB) under the 8th Infantry Division were camping in Barangay Babaclayon, San Jose de Buan, Samar province for at least three days already, but because of the call of revolutionary duty, two Red fighters still proceeded to the barrio to extend needed assistance to the peasant masses.
Around early morning of December 3, the terrorist soldiers surrounded the house of the farmer where the two guerrillas were staying, apparently after the enemy got wind of their presence. The fascists were forcing them out of the house and surrender, but before making any move, the two guerrillas made sure and helped the peasant family safely escape from the enemy encirclement.
The next scene may be likened to an action film, as the two Red fighters – one armed only with a pistol, and the other unarmed – jumped out of the house and the pistol-bearing guerrilla started shooting at the enemy soldiers who were positioned just a few meters from them. The fascist troops were startled, and, while there was an exchange of fire, the two fearless guerrillas made their daring escape from the enemy encirclement. Armed only with a pistol, the guerrilla shot dead two fascists. The guerrilla-comrade sustained only minor injuries.
Their heroism and gallantry earned the praises and admiration of the masses, and the Regional Command of the NPA Eastern Visayas which said that the two guerrillas’ revolutionary courage, daringness and steel determination to fight it out even at the cost of their lives and to not surrender, are worthy of emulation and are an inspiration.
In similar encounters, two 76th IB fascist soldiers were killed in the clash at Sitio Balite, Barangay Lumangbayan, Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro on November 26. Several other soldiers were reported wounded. On October 28, three 62nd IB troopers were killed in a clash with the NPA in Barangay Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental. Suffering from its defeat, the 62nd IB indiscriminately fired their weapons and killed a 6-year-old child.
On December 7, a unit of Roselyn Jean Pelle Command (RJPC) punished Mando Ugdiman, 58 years old, in Sitio Tagda, Barangay Dolis, Calatrava, Negros Occidental. Ugdiman was an active military spy serving as guide in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)’s combat operations and engaged in surveillance and coercion activities against civilians suspected of having ties with the revolutionary movement. Recovered from Ugdiman was one .45 pistol, ammunition and other war materials.
While withdrawing from the scene, the same unit passed by a house elements of 1st Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company (NOCPFMC) were staying. Upon seeing the Red fighters, the policemen opened fire leaving the Red fighters no recourse but to return fire. Killed in the firefight was Police Senior Master Sergeant Rommel Aguilar while the others scampered in different directions. Recovered from Aguilar was his service firearm (9mm pistol) and several ammunition