ILOILO CITY — The municipal government of Janiuay town in Iloilo on Monday suspended classes in 16 hinterland villages following an armed clash between government troops and suspected communist rebels. Janiuay Mayor Jose de Paula said he ordered the suspension of classes in the elementary and secondary levels in the villages to ensure the safety of students and teachers. On Friday, clashes were also reported in Leon town in Iloilo and Maayon town in Capiz. But the NPA’s Napoleon Tumagtang Command, which operates in Southern Panay, belied the reported encounter in Leon town. Ka Ariston Remus, the rebel command’s spokesperson, said in a statement that a “misencounter” between government troops had happened in Leon.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer September 10, 2018 09:11 UTC