The encounter at Sitio Atubon in Barangay Tan-awan happened almost a week after communist rebels burned a heavy equipment used in the construction of a water dam in the same village. ADVERTISEMENTBut the soldiers chanced upon at least 60 armed men believed be members of the New People’s Army, said Capt. Eighty barangays in Negros Occidental have been classified as poll hotspots by the Commission on Elections. Three days ago, suspected NPA rebels killed a civilian and wounded his companion in Toboso town, also in Negros Occidental. ADVERTISEMENTAnother group of rebels burned down a cargo truck loaded with fertilizers in Moises Padilla town.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer May 12, 2018 06:44 UTC