A member of the CAFGU Active Auxiliary was killed and two soldiers were wounded following an encounter between government troops and members of the New People’s Army in Sitio Bautista, Barangay Malasibog, Escalante City, Negros Occidental, on Sept. 29, 2026.
The Philippine Army said personnel from the 79th Infantry Battalion were conducting a security patrol in the area when the encounter occurred.
The troops included members of the Mobile Community Support and Sustainment Program Team, according to the Army.
The exchange of gunfire lasted about 10 minutes, based on the account provided by the Philippine Army.
One CAFGU member was killed during the encounter, while two soldiers were wounded. The injured soldiers were immediately brought to a hospital and were reported to be in stable condition.
The Army described the opposing forces in the incident as members of the NPA terrorist group. In a separate account, the group was referred to as suspected members of the Communist Terrorist Group or CTG remnants.
Following the encounter, security operations in the area remained ongoing, according to the Philippine Army.
The military said the security operations were being conducted to protect civilians and prevent armed groups from regaining a foothold in the area.
3rd Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Joey Escanillas expressed condolences to the family of the slain CAFGU member.
Escanillas said the incident would not stop the military and its partners from continuing efforts aimed at maintaining peace and delivering services and development programs to communities.
The Philippine Army said its troops were conducting security patrols in support of peace and development efforts when the encounter took place.
No other casualties or additional details were provided in the information released regarding the Sept. 29 incident.
