A brief but intense armed encounter between Philippine Army soldiers and suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Sitio Bulod, Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, on the night of Saturday, October 17, 2026, left four people with non-fatal gunshot wounds — including a civilian who had gone to the area to collect his father's salary.
Patrol Triggers Roadside Exchange of Fire
Troops from the 94th Infantry Battalion (94IB) were conducting a security patrol in Sitio Bulod at approximately 8:50 p.m. after local residents reported sightings of armed individuals in the area, according to Brig. Gen. Ted Dumosmog, commander of the Philippine Army's 303rd Infantry Brigade. The soldiers came upon around five suspected NPA members near a roadside, and a five-minute firefight ensued.
Brig. Gen. Dumosmog identified the rebels as remnants of Central Negros 2 under Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros — referred to in military communications as CN2, KR-N.
Two Soldiers, One CAFGU Member, One Resident Hurt
The 303rd Infantry Brigade confirmed that three government forces were wounded: two soldiers and a member of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU). All sustained non-fatal injuries and are in stable condition, Brig. Gen. Dumosmog said.
The fourth casualty was a 38-year-old male resident of Barangay Carabalan, identified by Digicast Negros as having been in the area at the time to retrieve his father's pay. The civilian was evacuated and is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital for a gunshot wound. Brig. Gen. Dumosmog said no community residents were displaced as a result of the clash.
As of the brigade's statement, the military had not determined whether any rebels were wounded or killed during the exchange.
Wounded Civilian Speaks Out
In a statement released by the 303rd Infantry Brigade, the wounded civilian said he had committed no wrong against the rebels and questioned why he was targeted. He expressed gratitude toward the 94IB for its support to residents of Barangay Carabalan, called for justice, and characterized the attack on himself and the soldiers as cruel and inhumane.
Brigade Condemns Attack, Pursuit Operations Ongoing
"We strongly condemn the violent and cowardly attack by remnants of CN2, KR-N," Brig. Gen. Dumosmog said in the brigade's official statement, adding that wounding an innocent civilian constituted "an inhumane, lawless act." He said pursuit operations would continue until those responsible are brought to account.
According to the 303rd Infantry Brigade, the 94IB remains deployed in Sitio Bulod and surrounding communities.
Previous Clash in Escalante City on September 29
The October 17 incident comes weeks after a separate armed encounter on September 29, 2026, in Escalante City, also in Negros Occidental, which resulted in two soldiers wounded and one CAFGU Active Auxiliary member killed, according to news reports.
Barangay Carabalan, a hinterland village that borders Negros Oriental, has seen multiple armed confrontations between the 94IB and NPA rebels in recent years. The NPA's regional command in Negros had not issued any statement regarding the October 17 clash as of press time.
Source: Digicast Negros / 303rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army