MEMBERS of the 94th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army encountered some communist rebels in Barangay Linantuyan in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on Monday, January 14.

Senior Superintendent Raul Tacaca, director of Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, said one team composed of 10 troops on board a KM250 truck engaged in a firefight with about five to 10 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) at 8:25 a.m.

The military troops were on their way to the said village to attend the condemnation rally when the encounter happened.

The firefight lasted for 30 minutes.

The rally was staged by some residents, who according to the military, were concerned about the series of killings perpetrated by the NPA in the city.

No casualties were reported on the government side but authorities have yet to determine the injuries on the rebel’s side.

The military immediately conducted clearing operation in the vicinity of the encounter site.

In a press release, the Apolinario Gaitmaitan Command of the NPA said the Armed Forces of the Philippines suffered nine casualties in the alleged ambush staged by the Leonardo Panaligan Command of the NPA in Barangay Banwage.

But the government forces have no report on casualties and ambush in the said village. (GYM)