230 Zamboanga del Sur villagers flee as AFP steps up assault vs NPA rebels

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PAGADIAN CITY – Around 230 individuals fled their homes in Barangay Saad in Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur as the military intensified its operation against the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels there.

The residents left their homes and their belongings behind as the military conducted air strikes against the rebels, said Dejhai Libradilla, the Dumingag social welfare officer.

The offensives started on Tuesday but no casualty had so far been reported.

Libradilla said a team from the town’s social welfare office had been sent to the village, which was about four hours away by foot.

She said they have delivered basic needs such as food and other items and conducted stress debriefing sessions.

Majority of the people in Barangay Saad were Subanen lumad and this was the first time they experienced such operation.