By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The New People’s Army (NPA) Leonardo Panaligan Command yesterday claimed the recent clash that erupted against the Philippine Army 94th Infantry Battalion in Barangay San Agustin, Isabela, Negros Occidental was a “misencounter.”

In a statement by spokesperson Ka JB Regalado, he said there was no legitimate encounter, claiming, the army suffered several casualties during the fight.

Regalado said the NPA condemns the actions of the army as the said gun battle caused fear among local residents.

He also called on other NPA units to protect locals against the abuses committed by the military.

Regalado added, they will be conducting several tactical offensives in the coming days as a pre-emptive response to the “lies” President Rodrigo Duterte will deliver in his State of the Nation Address, which is scheduled for Monday.

Last Thursday, the 94th Infantry Battalion reportedly stumbled upon an undetermined number of suspected NPA rebels./DGB, WDJ