DAVAO CITY – Philippine troops killed at least 3 communist rebels in fierce clashes Monday that also left 2 government militias wounded in the southern province of Davao del Norte, an army spokesman said.
Capt. Alberto Caber, of the Eastern Mindanao Command, said the fighting erupted in the village of Gupitan in Kapalong town where patrolling soldiers ran into a group of New People’s Army rebels.
He said soldiers from the 72nd Infantry Battalion of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division and pro-government militias battled the rebels. He said there could be more enemy casualties after villagers reported seeing more dead bodies of rebels being retrieved by fleeing gunmen.
Caber said troops also recovered an AK-47 and an M16 automatic rifles, an improvised explosive device, a a hand grenade, a medical kit and two backpacks containing anti-government propaganda left behind the rebels.
Maj. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, chief of the Eastern Mindanao Command, commended the soldiers for their relentless efforts in protecting the communities especially in Kapalong town against the NPA.
He also encouraged the wounded rebels to come out so they can be treated properly in hospital. “We are saddened by the death of these 3 NPA members who were just abused and deceived by their leaders. We encourage the rebels operating in Mindanao to return to the folds of the law with their firearms. Let us altogether work for peace and development of our communities. Our soldiers are always ready to help NPA members return to the folds of the law safely,” Baladad said.
The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines which has been fighting for a separate state in the country. (Mindanao Examiner)
20