BACOLOD CITY, March 21 -- Three New People's Army (NPA) remnants linked to the summary executions of civilians in southern Negros died in a clash with Philippine Army troops in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on Saturday morning.

A military report identified the fatalities as Milky "Gorting" Sampini, Ritchie "Makoy"/"Akiro" Verano, and Joedil "Junjun"/"Cairo" Balsimo, who were part of the dismantled South West Front and Regional Strike Force of the Komiteng Rehiyon - Negros.

"The operation was prompted by timely reports from concerned residents on the presence of NPA elements. Community members have expressed growing frustration and anger over the atrocities committed by these groups," Lt. Col. Dennis Martinez, commander of the 47th ...