By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

At least one suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed, while two soldiers were wounded, after a Philippine Army 62nd Infantry Battalion scout platoon encountered at least 15 suspected NPA members yesterday morning in Barangay Carol-an, Ayungon, Negros Oriental.

Information released by the Ayungon Municipal Police Station said, around 3:35 a.m., an army platoon, led by 1st Lieutenant John William Portillano, was conducting combat operations at Sitio Nabali-an, located in the said town, when they encountered the rebels.

A gun battle erupted between both sides, resulting in the death of a suspected rebel, identified only by the alias “Dagul.”

Two soldiers, who, as of press time, have yet to be identified, were wounded and rushed to an undisclosed hospital in Negros Oriental.

Government forces also recovered several items and documents from the encounter site allegedly owned by the rebel forces.As of press time, the army and local police are conducting clearing operations against the rebels, who reportedly fled following the battle./DGB, WDJ