By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

An estimated 50 heavily-armed New People’s Army (NPA) insurgents allegedly harassed Barangay Cabcaban officials last week in Bindoy, Negros Oriental.
Police identified the victims as 52-year-old Barangay Cabcaban Captain Elgen Cabusog and 40-year-old Kagawad Elma Ejercito, the latter resides in the town’s Barangay Nalundan.
Based on information provided by the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, the rebels reportedly broke into the homes of the two officials.
The rebels forced the victims to yield their base radio and two handheld radios, and demanded they not report the incident to the police or military.
The rebels then withdrew from the area.
Local police and units from the Philippine Army are presently conducting follow-up operations against the rebels./DGB, WDJ