MANILA, Philippines - More than 200 families left their homes to avoid being caught between fighting military troops and suspected Communist guerillas in Marihatag town, Surigao del Sur province.

The Marihatag Disaster Coordinating Council said a total of 234 families or 1,125 residents of Barangay Mahaba, have left their homes due to the clashes between the rebels and government troops.

The municipal government has already placed Barangay Mahaba under a state of calamity. The displaced villagers have been brought to the municipal gym.

Local authorities said 2 Army troopers and a female member of Communist group, New People's Army (NPA), have been killed in the clashes.

A civilian and 3 more Army members have also been reported wounded.

Meanwhile, villagers complained the military’s alleged abuse during the anti-insurgency operations.

Salvador Dayola, a villager, said his 14-year-old son was among the 7 residents hog-tied by the military personnel due to suspicions that they are supporters of the NPA.

"As they hold them in custody, they mauled and tied up the hands of my son and six others," Dayola said in the local dialect. -- Report from Rodge Cultura, ABS-CBN Caraga