Negros villagers flee homes amid AFP-NPA clash

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Around 700 residents of Barangay Carabalan in Himamaylan, Negros Occidental have fled their homes as New People’s Army (NPA) rebels clashed with soldiers in the area.

Mayor Raymund Tongson suspended classes in all levels in Barangays Carabalan and Cabadiangan while military operations are ongoing.

He said the affected families are staying in three evacuation centers.

Binalbagan Mayor Alejandro Mirasol also suspended classes in adjacent Barangays Bi-ao and Payao.

Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said clashes between soldiers of the 94th Infantry Battalion and NPA rebels started on Thursday and were ongoing as of yesterday.