Thousands displaced in N. Vizcaya AFP-NPA clashes

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – Thousands of residents, including children, have been forced to leave their homes amid clashes between government troops and New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas in Nueva Vizcaya.

The municipal social welfare and development office yesterday reported that over 2,000 people left their homes in Barangays Paquet and Dine in Kasibu town.

Hundreds of families in Barangays Pao and Kakiduguen near the mountain border of Nagtipunan, Quirino also reportedly left their homes for fear of being caught in the crossfire.

Village councilman Dominador Madriaga said classes were suspended in affected areas.

Kasibu Mayor Chito Bumolo deployed municipal personnel to bring the evacuees to the town’s gymnasium for relief assistance.

Bumolo also directed the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to check the condition of those who are staying with their relatives in other barangays.

A village official said at least 300 rebels set up camps in the town’s mountain boundaries.

Four soldiers have been killed and another wounded in the clashes since Sept. 1.

Another firefight occurred at around 2 p.m. on Tuesday.

In Agusan del Norte, Rustico Porogoy, a tribal chieftain in Santiago town was killed by suspected NPA rebels in Purok 3, Barangay Comagascas, Cabadbaran on Tuesday.

Porogoy was reportedly driving his motorcycle on his way to work when the assailants on another motorbike opened fire.