Calatrava: Troops from the Philippine Army's 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) are actively pursuing remnants of the communist New People's Army (NPA) led by the wanted hitman Roger Fabillar, following two clashes in Calatrava, Negros Occidental on Monday. The encounters were reported to have occurred between 8:35 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. at Sitio Proper, Barangay Minautok.

According to Philippines News Agency, the 79IB released a statement mentioning that the group led by Fabillar is responsible for the killings of innocent civilians in the villages of Escalante City. The statement confirmed that pursuit operations are ongoing as soldiers engaged with about seven remnants of the dismantled NPA Northern Negros Front, who later dispersed in different directions.

For three years, the 79IB has been offering a PHP1 million cash reward for information leading to the arrest of Fabillar, who faces multiple murder charges in northern Negros. This bounty was contributed by concerned stakeholders and private individuals aiming to expedite the manhunt for Fabillar and his associates.

Fabillar, also known by his aliases 'Arnel Tapang,' 'Jhong,' and 'Nono,' is believed to be in his 30s. He is identified as the main suspect in a series of killings in Calatrava, including those of village chief Benjamin Javoc of Barangay Lalong, and Renato Estrebillo and Rodel Nobleza of Barangay Marcelo over the past several years. Fabillar is also linked to the death of councilman Benito Hubahib of Barangay Cambayobo.