By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A New People’s Army (NPA) member was killed while a civilian was injured in a gun battle on the boundary of Negros Occidental’s cities of Himamaylan and Kabankalan on Wednesday afternoon, May 3.

The Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion have yet to identify the slain NPA member, the latest casualty in the series of clashes in southern and central Negros since last month, as of press time.

The wounded individual, hit by a stray bullet, was also brought by the troops to a hospital.

However, authorities noted that she is in a stable condition.

Brigadier General Orlando Edralin, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said the gun battle began around 5:00 p.m. when elements of the 94th Infantry Battalion’s (94IB) Alpha Company encountered at least 15 NPA members.

The gun battle lasted for 20 minutes until the NPA was forced to retreat.

Two soldiers from the 94IB were also wounded, although Edralin said they are in stable condition and recovering at a hospital in Bacolod City.

Lt. Colonel Van Donald Almonte, 94IB commander, said his troops recovered a high-powered firearm, ammunition for various firearms, subversive documents, and personal belongings.

Edralin said they are continuing their pursuit operations against the fleeing NPA members.

Around 200 families of Sitio Paloypoy in Himamaylan’s Barangay Buenavista were forced to flee due to the encounter.

Meanwhile, food packs have already been distributed to 200 families who are currently sheltering in the covered court of the city’s Barangay Hilamunan.

The families were told to stay in the covered court for now while awaiting an all-clear signal from the 94IB and the authorities./With a report from PNA / DGB, WDJ