Manila, May 3 -- A suspected member of the New People's Army (NPA) was killed in an armed clash with government troops in Barangay Humay-humay, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on Thursday, prompting dozens of families to flee their homes.

Lt. Col. Evelio Ilanga, commander of the Army's 62nd Infantry Battalion, said the encounter occurred around 12:10 p.m. in Sitio Tubigan and resulted in the death of Tony Pahayay, also known by the aliases "Aldren" and "Redol."

A resident of Barangay Bulado, Pahayay was believed to be part of Squad 2, Sentro de Gravidad, under the dismantled Central Negros 1 guerrilla front.

"Former rebels and community informants helped confirm the identity of Pahayay, whose body was found holding an Armalite rifle a...