PNP verifies reported NPA clash in Calatrava

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region is monitoring and verifying a reported armed encounter involving personnel of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-Negros Island Region and suspected New People’s Army rebels in Sitio Kabalagnan, Barangay Lalong, Calatrava, Negros Occidental, on Sunday, June 14.

Initial information showed that a village chief reported to authorities that an encounter allegedly occurred in the area at about 4:25 p.m.

As of this writing, details of the reported encounter remain subject to validation.

The Calatrava Municipal Police Station coordinated with adjacent police stations and Bravo Company of the Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion for possible deployment.

Police also prepared for checkpoint operations and intensified intelligence monitoring in the area.

PRO-NIR urged the public to refrain from spreading unconfirmed reports and to rely only on official statements from legitimate authorities.

The regional police office also appealed to the public to remain calm while authorities complete validation and monitoring efforts.

“We remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of our communities through timely response, inter-agency coordination, and the responsible dissemination of verified information,” the regional office said in a statement.

The New People’s Army is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines and has waged one of Asia’s longest-running insurgencies since 1969.

Negros Island Region was established under Republic Act No. 12000 and covers Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.

The Philippine National Police activated the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region as its 18th regional office in March 2025 to cover the newly created region.