A MILITIAMAN was injured in a clash with government troops in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, the military reported Tuesday, July 5, 2022.

Lieutenant Colonel Jo-ar Herrera, 53rd Infantry Battalion (IB) commander, said the clash happened around 10:20 a.m. Monday, July 4, in Saad village, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur.

Herrera said the troops were on combat operation when they clashed with a group of rebels under the NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee in Saad village.

Herrera said the firefight lasted for about 15 minutes after which the NPA rebels fled to different directions.

He said the injured militiaman is now recuperating at Camp Major Cesar Sang-an Station Hospital in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

He did not release the identity of the injured militiaman except in saying he belongs to the 53IB.

He said the troops were able to recover five mobile phones with 21 assorted subscriber identification module (SIM) cards, assorted medicine, food stuff, propaganda materials, assorted personal belongings and ammunition at the clash site.

He said they will continue to pursue the enemy of the state to ensure the safety of peace-loving people. (SunStar Zamboanga)