PHILIPPINE National Police personnel under the 6th Regional Mobile Force Battalion clashed with suspected communist rebels while conducting joint combat operations with troops of 62nd Infantry Battalion, 3ID, Philippine Army in Sitio Basak, Barangay Tan-awan, Kabankalan City around 8:20 p.m. Wednesday, October 9, 2019.

Based on Army report, the exchange of fire lasted for about 15 minutes. After which, the enemy withdrew toward northeast direction.

The combat operation is part of the pursuit operations in connection with the recent encounter of troops under 62nd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army and 31st Division Reconnaissance Company in Sitio Bugo, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City last October 6, 2019.

The troops are still conducting clearing operations at the encounter site and pursuit operations on the fleeing rebels.