By Tara Yap

The Philippine Army 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) clashed with the New People’s Army (NPA) yesterday in Leon, Iloilo.
According to 61IB commander, Lieutenant Colonel Sisenando Magbalot, Jr., the encounter occurred around 10:30 a.m., beginning with an exchange of gun fire, which lasted for about a half-hour.
As of press time, Magbalot confirmed a barangay tanod was wounded in the crossfire, while troops are still verifying reports claiming two NPA rebels were also wounded.
Leon is situated in central Panay Island, considered by the Philippine Army 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) as an area of NPA presence.
Following the incident, both Leon Mayor Rolito Cahilig and Alimodian Mayor Gefree Alonsabe have since suspended classes./WDJ