By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Over 200 residents of Barangay Oringao in Negros Occidental’s Kabankalan City fled their homes after reportedly hearing gunfire on Friday night, December 2.

Based on information released by local authorities of the said village, the residents in at least three sub-villages — Mansawin, Pitgong and Nabalikan — evacuated after they heard gunshots at around 5:00 p.m.

The affected residents temporarily spent the night in the barangay covered court.

The residents returned to their homes afterwards.

Meanwhile, the Kabankalan City Police Station and the Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion said no encounter took place in the area, but they are now investigating the incident.

Last week, an encounter took place in the neighboring village of Camansi between government forces and the New People’s Army./DGB, WDJ