TWO village watchmen were injured in an attack perpetrated by suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Nalundan, Bindoy town in Negros Oriental Monday evening, April 15.

An initial police report from the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office identified the wounded as Jose Arlito Amper, 60, the chief watchman, and Aldrin Palumar, 37.

Initial police investigation disclosed that around 8:30 p.m., the victims, along with their village chief and other watchmen, were gathered in the house of Amper, when an undetermined number of suspected NPA members fired at them using high-powered firearms.

Unharmed in the incident were Nalundan Barangay Captain Charlito Damian, 45, married; and watchmen Syodie Kabristante, 52, married; Welliam Bantayoa, 44, married; Arquelito Montecino, 36, married; and Geraldo Acosta, 46, married.

The firing lasted for more or less 10 minutes before the suspects fled in different directions.

Amper sustained a gunshot wound on his left cheek while Palumar was hit on his left arm.

Both were immediately brought to the Bindoy District Hospital but were referred to the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital in Dumaguete City for further treatment.

The attack came a day after government troops from the 62nd Infantry Battalion and the 94th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army clashed with about 20 alleged NPA rebels in Sitio Kampong-oy, Barangay Cabcaban, also in the municipality of Bindoy.

The police are confirming reports that some residents have fled their hinterland communities following the tense situation in Bindoy town. (PNA)