Hundreds displaced in Negros Occidental AFP-NPA clashes

From the Philippine Star (Jul 9, 2023): Hundreds displaced in Negros Occidental AFP-NPA clashes (By Gilbert Bayoran)

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Eighty families or 318 people evacuated their homes as New People’s Army (NPA) rebels clashed with soldiers in Barangay Carabalan in Himamaylan City in Negros Occidental on Friday.

The displaced families are taking shelter at a covered court in the barangay.

Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) commander, said an NPA rebel, who has yet to be identified, was killed in the gunfights.

The military said a rifle, two backpacks containing extortion letters and personal belongings were recovered at the scene.

Almonte said the clash occurred after soldiers belonging to the 94th IB responded to a report on the presence of the rebels in the area.

Meanwhile, an NPA rebel identified only by his alias of Pepe surrendered to the 94th IB and turned over his rifle.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2023/07/09/2279767/hundreds-displaced-negros-occidental-afp-npa-clashes