BACOLOD CITY – Two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed while two soldiers were wounded in a series of clashes in Negros Occidental on Thursday, April 20. The Philippine Army has yet to identify the two slain rebels. 1st Lt. Raymart Africa, acting civil military operations officer of the Army  303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde), said the first encounter happened in Barangay Camang-Camang, Isabela town in southern Negros at around 2:32 a.m. The 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB) and police were conducting joint operations in the area when they encountered at least 15 unidentified armed persons. A few minutes later, another encounter occurred at about 2:45 a.m. in the barangay while military troopers were pursuing the enemies. It was followed by another clash at around 3:22 a.m., this time with the 94th IB in Barangay Santol, Binalbagan town, where the first fatality was reported, according to Africa. Six hours later, the 79th IB also clashed with NPA rebels in the northern part of the province, particularly in Barangay Libertad, Escalante City, at around 10:45 a.m. Africa said the clash erupted while the police and the soldiers were also conducting joint military operations in the area. It resulted in the second fatality and wounding of two soldiers who are now in stable condition. Military troopers recovered from the encounter site an M14 rifle, three rifle grenades, three 40mm high explosives grenades, and personal belongings. The recent encounter came two days after an alleged NPA leader was also killed in a clash with the 62nd IB in Barangay Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla town on April 18.