By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The New People’s Army (NPA) Leonardo Panaligan Command confirmed their units engaged soldiers from the Philippine Army 94th Infantry Battalion (94IB) in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental last Monday.

In a statement by spokesperson Ka JB Regalado, he claimed they ambushed the soldiers, who were inside military trucks, using snipers.

He claimed, during the fight, they managed to kill or wound at least nine soldiers. The soldiers then moved to a house owned by a certain ‘Etok.’

While inside the said house, Regalado said the remaining soldiers prevented residents from coming closer to the area.

The command spokesperson also accused 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, Colonel Ignacio Madriaga, of spreading false information about the gun battle, adding, the attack was in response to the recent killing of six individuals last month, which the rebel group claims was perpetrated by the army and Guihulngan City police.

Earlier, Madriaga said 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 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./DGB, WDJ