A COMMUNIST New People's Army (NPA) terrorist was killed in a clash Monday, September 21, with pursuing government forces in the hinterlands of Zamboanga del Sur, a military official said.

Brigadier General Leonel Nicolas, commander of the Army's 102nd Infantry Brigade, said the clash ensued as the troops chanced upon the NPA rebels around 10:30 a.m. while on combat operation in Marangan village, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur.

Nicolas said the firefight lasted for about 25 minutes and resulted in the death of an NPA rebel, whose comrades scampered to different directions.

The troops recovered the remains of the slain NPA member, as well as four high-powered firearms consisting of two M-16 Armalite rifles, one AK-47 assault rifle, and one M-203 grenade launcher.

Nicolas said the troops of the 53rd Infantry Battalion are tracking down the fleeing communist NPA terrorists.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan Jr., Western Mindanao Command chief, said the command's offensive against the NPA rebels continues to bring about peace in the community. (SunStar Zamboanga)