Two soldiers, a militia member, and an innocent bystander were injured after suspected remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels opened fire on them in Sitio Bulod, Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, Saturday night, Oct. 17.
Acting on community tips about insurgent activity, elements of the 94th Infantry Battalion were patrolling the area when they stumbled upon approximately five armed members of the New People’s Army (NPA) near a roadside. Brig. Gen. Ted Dumosmog, head of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, said Sunday.
The unexpected encounter sparked a brief five-minute exchange of gunfire.
All victims sustained non-fatal wounds and are currently in stable condition, Dumosmog said.
“Our troops moved quickly thanks to timely intelligence shared by alertness from local residents,” Dumosmog said, adding that manhunt operations are actively underway to track down the fleeing rebels.
Military officials have not verified if any insurgents were killed or hit during the gun battle.
No residents were forced to flee their homes.
The clash marks the latest violence in the province following a Sept. 29 skirmish in Escalante City that resulted in two wounded soldiers and the death of a CAFGU Active Auxiliary unit member.*
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