Five alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed while another wounded rebel was rescued following an armed encounter in Barangay Poblacion, Cauayan, Negros Occidental on May 16, 2026, according to the Philippine Army.
The 15th Infantry Battalion (15IB) said troops conducted a clearing operation after the clash and followed blood traces from the encounter site to a nearby area.
There, soldiers discovered an injured man identified only by his alias “Joey,” a 21-year-old resident of Sipalay City.
Military reports said the wounded rebel suffered gunshot wounds to his leg and buttocks, along with minor injuries on his waist.
Army personnel immediately provided first aid treatment, gave him clean clothes, and provided food before bringing him to a hospital for further medical care.
According to authorities, “Joey” had allegedly not returned home to his family for nearly a year before the encounter.
After his condition stabilized, he was formally turned over to the Philippine National Police for documentation and custodial processing.
The Army did not release further details about the circumstances that led to the encounter or the identities of the five fatalities.
The incident marked another armed confrontation between government troops and communist rebels in Negros Occidental, an area that has experienced repeated insurgency-related operations over the years.
Authorities continue to conduct follow-up security and clearing operations in the area after the clash.
