ILOILO CITY — The military has advised tourists to avoid visiting hinterland villages in three towns in the southern portion of Iloilo province following a series of clashes between government troops and communist rebels. ADVERTISEMENTThese areas in southern Iloilo are popular summer destinations for hiking, mountain trekking and spelunking. Troops under the 61IB, with the help of tracker dogs, have been pursuing rebels after four clashes since March 17. The 61IB reported a clash with rebels at Barangay Maulangan in Igbaras on March 17, and an encounter at Barangay Osorio I in San Remigio, Antique, on March 19. ADVERTISEMENTIn a statement, the NPA’s Coronacion Chiva “Waling-Waling” Command belied the military’s report that a clash erupted in Igbaras on March 17.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer March 25, 2019 21:11 UTC