7 soldiers hurt in Negros NPA bomb attack

BACOLOD CITY – Seven soldiers were wounded when an improvised bomb exploded in Sitio Asaran, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on Tuesday. The soldiers are being treated in a private hospital. Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels detonated the improvised explosive device.

The explosion followed an hour-long gunfight when soldiers responded to reports on the presence of NPA guerrillas in the area.

Arevalo said two fatalities on the side of the rebels were seen being dragged by their comrades while escaping.

He said soldiers also seized an NPA camp, which can accommodate 20 persons.