A MEMBER of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed while a soldier was wounded in a clash in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, the military said Thursday, July 18.

Lieutenant Colonel Don Templonuevo, Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion commander, said the firefight erupted around 3 p.m. Wednesday in Diampak village, Kabasalan town.

Templonuevo said the firefight ensued when the troops responded to the report of the residents about the presence of the NPAs in their community that are extorting money and foodstuffs.

He said the troops have recovered an M-16 Armalite rifle with ammunition and subversive documents with high intelligence value following a 30-minute firefight.

The army official said the wounded soldier was rushed to the nearest hospital for proper medication.

“Our troops saw several wounded NPA rebels as they scampered to different directions,” he added.

Templonuevo said the residents of Kabasalan reported to the government troops that they are already fed up with the threat, intimidation and extortion activities of the NPAs in their community.

“We thank the people of Kabasalan for taking action against the NPAs’ threat and extortion activities in their localities,” said Brigadier General Bagnus Gaerlan Jr., Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade commander.

Meanwhile, Major General Roberto Ancan, Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, commended the troops for the swift response, and the people of Kabasalan for their cooperation which led to the successful conduct of operations. (SunStar Philippines)