Militiaman killed, two soldiers wounded in Escalante clash

BACOLOD CITY — A member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary was killed and two soldiers were wounded in an armed encounter with suspected New People’s Army rebels in Sitio Bautista, Barangay Malasibog, Escalante City, Negros Occidental, on Tuesday.

First Lt. Paulo Lagarde, civil-military officer of the Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion, said military troops were conducting house visitations under the Mobile Community Support and Sustainment Program when suspected rebels allegedly fired at them.

The firefight lasted about 10 minutes, resulting in fatal injuries to the militiaman.

The two wounded soldiers, a private first class and a sergeant, are recuperating at a hospital here.

Following the clash, 13 families composed of 41 individuals evacuated on Wednesday because of fear despite authorities having already cleared the area.

Lagarde said the armed individuals were believed to be remnants of the dismantled Northern Negros Front-D and part of the group that the 79th IB encountered in Toboso last April.

The Army said that April encounter killed alleged NPA hitman Roger Fabillar and 18 others.

Maj. Gen. Joey Escanillas, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, expressed condolences to the family of the fallen militiaman and assured them of the Army’s support.

He also commended the wounded soldiers for their service and commitment.

In a statement, Escanillas said the troops’ presence aims to help sustain gains in the community and ensure that residents can live without fear or intimidation.

“Violence will not stop us from working with our partners to bring security, government services, and opportunities closer to the people,” he added.

The 3rd ID said the incident underscored that even fragmented armed groups remain capable of violence, reinforcing the need for sustained security efforts to prevent them from regrouping, regaining influence in communities or rebuilding their capacity.

It added that such acts would not deter government forces and their partners from addressing community concerns, protecting civilians and safeguarding communities from intimidation and armed influence.

“This attack shows the stark contrast between those working with communities toward peace and development and those who continue to resort to violence,” Escanillas said.

He assured the public that security operations in the area remain in place to protect civilians and prevent armed groups from regaining a foothold.

Escanillas also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the proper authorities.