A MILITIAMAN was wounded when government troops clashed for around 20 minutes with New People's Army (NPA) rebels in the hinterlands of Misamis Occidental, officials said Monday, February 1.
Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the clash happened around 11 a.m. Saturday, January 30, in Tuno village, Don Victoriano Chiongbian, Misamis Ocidental.
Vinluan said members of the 10th Infantry Battalion (IB) and militiamen were on combat operation when they clashed against some 20 members of the Guerrilla Front Sendong of the NPA's Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee in Tuno village.
Lieutenant Colonel Ray Tiongson, commander of the 10IB, said the clash lasted for about 20 minutes, after which the NPA rebels fled.
The NPA rebels were believed to have incurred casualties as bloodstains were visible in their withdrawal path.
Tiongson said the wounded militiaman, whose identity was withheld, is now recuperating in a hospital in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.
The troops recovered from the clash site personal belongings, assorted foodstuff and 60 live ammunition of AK-47 assault rifle.
Meanwhile, Brigadier General Leonel Nicolas, 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, said they have deployed supplemental troops to pursue the fleeing NPA rebels. (SunStar Zamboanga)