A SUSPECTED member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in a firefight government troops at Sitio Sudlon in Barangay Tagugpo in Pantukan town in Compostela Valley on July 3.

The report obtained from Police Regional Office (PRO) in Davao Region still did not have the identity of the dead.

Troops of the Philippine Army’s 46th Infantry Battalion encountered around five communist rebels while conducting an intelligence operation.

The firefight between the government troops and the rebels lasted for around 15 minutes before the latter withdrew.

The cadaver of the rebel was brought to the barangay hall.

Recovered from the encounter site were one caliber .45 pistol and a magazine loaded with three rounds ammunition.

PRO-Davao spokesperson Chief Inspector Milgrace Driz said all police stations in Compostela Valley province, including the Mobile Force Platoons, conducted checkpoint for possible interception of the rebels. (ICT)