5 rebels killed in Lupon clash

THE number of casualties in Saturday's encounter between New People's Army (NPA) rebels and government forces in Lupon, Davao Oriental rose to five as of Sunday.

This after residents in the area reported to the military that aside from one recovered body, four other rebels died during the encounter.

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Army's 10th Infantry Division chief Major General Carlos Holganza identified the four other rebel casualties as Anthony Cabrera alias Junjun, Leonilo Locnod alias Michael, Rommel Duran, and a certain En-en, a female rebel.

The other rebel whose body was recovered has remained unidentified.

Troops also recovered several high-powered firearms consisting of two M-16 rifles and a 12-gauge shotgun, as well as explosives.

Residents of Barangay New Visayas, Lupon earlier reported to the authorities the consolidation of NPA rebels two days before Saturday's clash.

Major General Carlos Holganza lauded the concern of local residents in the peace efforts as he expressed grief on the death of the rebels.

"We are moved by the show of support and concern of our citizens in Davao Oriental in curbing criminality and terrorism in their place," Holganza said. (BOT)