CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / July 15, 2014) – Security forces clashed with communist rebels on Tuesday that left at least 19 people dead in the southern Philippine province of Agusan del Sur.
The New People’s Army rebels attacked an enclave of a private armed group in Santa Irene they accused as behind illegal activities and killings of civilians in Prosperidad town. The rebel group said only two of its fighters were killed in clashes after security forces engaged the rebels in a running gun battle.
The highway connecting the town from other areas had been closed by authorities for several hours because of the fierce fighting which also erupted in nearby areas.
At least 19 bodies had been recovered in the area and most of them in military uniform. One body was still slumped inside a pick-up truck parked in front of a house when policemen and troops arrived in the village. At least 14 of the bodies were believed to be members of the NPA and four others belonged to the private army in the village.
The 4th Infantry Division said it was still collating reports from ground commanders before it can release an official statement. The Eastern Mindanao Command also did not release any statement about the daring rebel assault.
Just recently, NPA rebels also raided the police headquarters in Surigao del Norte’s Alegria town, sparking a firefight. Two rebels were killed in the clash that also wounded two policemen, but the NPA captured four other officers – PO3 Vic Concon, PO1 Rey Morales, PO1 Joen Zabala and PO1 Edito Roquiño – and are being held as prisoners of war.
The NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has been waging a secessionist war for decades now. (J. Magtanggol)
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