Suspected NPA rebel killed in Bukidnon

A SUSPECTED communist rebel was killed while two government soldiers were wounded in a renewed clash in a forested area near Barangay New Eden, Pangantucan, Bukidnon, early Tuesday, October 9.

Troops from the 1st Special Forces Battalion under the 403rd Infantry Brigade were conducting security patrol in the area when they encountered about 10 NPA fighters believed to be members of Guerilla Front 68 North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

A 30-minute gun battle ensued resulting to the death of a suspected Maoist guerilla. The military has yet to determine the identity of the fatality.

In a statement, the military said the troops were responding to repeated reports and complaints of residents about the presence of armed individuals who allegedly threaten the community with extortion, intimidation and forced recruitment.

Government soldiers seized an M16 rifle with attached M203 Grenade Launcher, an M16 rifle, M14 rifle, a barrel of M60 Machine Gun, eight anti-personnel mine, a hand grenade and assorted ammunition.

The two soldiers wounded during the firefight were rushed to the military hospital in Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City. They are now in stable condition.

Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Macarandan, 1st Special Forces Battalion commanding officer, has assured the communities within the area that said unit will continue to assist and respond to their concerns on security in collaboration with the police.

"The encounter that transpired today is a result of the cooperation and collaboration of our state security forces, our local populace, and the local government unit of Pangantucan, Bukidnon," Macarandan said.

"Rest assured that your Philippine Army will continue to ensure that our communities particularly those of our Indigenous Peoples are free from from CPP-NPA terrorists' threats,"he added.

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