BACOLOD City – Seven military troopers were wounded in an encounter with alleged New people’s Army (NPA) fighters in Sitio Asaran, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.
According to 303rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, the clash happened when the troops responded after receiving reports on the alleged presence of armed group in the area around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday.
While assaulting the enemies’ temporary encampment, an improvised anti-personnel landmine exploded, hitting seven members of 62nd Infantry Battalion.
The wounded soldiers sustained injuries caused by shrapnel and already received medical treatment. Their names are still being withheld by the Philippine Army, as they are now in stable condition.
Two rebels who have yet to be identified were reportedly killed in the firefight that lasted for about an hour.
Additional troops were also deployed to augment forces in the pursuit operations against the armed group who withdrew to the northeast direction of the village./PN
