2 dead, hundreds displaced in Neg Or clash

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Two people died, while hundreds were displaced in renewed fighting between government soldiers and leftist rebels in Negros Oriental, a military official said today.

According to Capt. Cresencio Gargar, spokesman for the Army's 302nd Brigade, troops from the 79th Infantry Battalion were on a combat operation when they caught up with New People's Army (NPA) rebels in San Pedro village around 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Gargar said the firefight lasted for about an hour, leading to the death of Pfc. Quin Banas and one still unidentified NPA rebel.

He said that at least 300 residents, including children and infants, were evacuated to safer grounds. The military has also asked local social workers to help the evacuees.