A MILITIAMAN was killed in a clash between government forces and New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Magpet, North Cotabato, on Tuesday.

Lieutenant Silver Belvis, spokesperson of the 39th infantry battalion, identified the fatality as Eliseo Sicao, a member of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu).

Sicao sustained multiple gunshot wounds, said Belvis.

Sicao was among the militias patrolling in the area of Sitio Buay-buay, Barangay Basak in Magpet town, North Cotabato.

During the conduct of operations, Belvis said around 15 NPA rebels from the Southern Mindanao Regional Command allegedly fired at them.

“Our troops immediately established defensive position which prompted the rebels to withdraw," he said.

Belvis said government troops are currently conducting pursuit operations against the NPA rebels responsible for the incident. (SunStar Philippines)