By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A gun battle erupted between New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and the Philippine Army 94th Infantry Battalion (94IB) yesterday morning in Barangay Linantuyan, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

302nd Infantry Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Ignacio Madriaga, said the 94IB was heading into the city to attend a condemnation rally when they stumbled upon five to 10 NPA members.

A gun fight ensued for around 30 minutes between both sides until the rebels were forced to pull back.

Madriaga said they did not suffer any casualties but believe the rebels were forced to retreat as some were reported to have been wounded in the fight.

A follow-up operation is currently being conducted against the rebels./DGB, WDJ