Officials said the fighting erupted in the village called Tamban in Malungon town in Sarangani province. Soldiers also recovered an M16 automatic rifle and an M203 grenade launcher from the slain New People’s Army rebel.
Lt. Col. Adolfo Espuelas, Sr., of the 73rd Infantry Battalion, said villagers tipped off the military on the presence of about 20 gunmen who were collecting food and harassing the locals.
He said the fighting lasted over 30 minutes and troops and policemen were sent to pursue those who were able to escape.
The army battalion is under the command of the 10th Infantry Division.
The NPA is fighting for decades now for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country. (Mindanao Examiner)
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