A YOUNG New People’s Army (NPA) female rebel was killed in a clash with government forces in the hinterlands of Zamboanga del Norte, the military reported Monday, July 5.
Lieutenant Colonel Manaros Boransing, Army’s 97th Infantry Battalion commander, said the clash broke out around 4:25 p.m. Sunday, July 4, while the troops were on security patrol following receipt of report from civilians that a group of NPA rebels was sighted in Kauswagan village, Sergio Osmeña, Zamboanga del Norte.
Boransing said the NPA rebels extorted money and demanded to shell out food for their sustenance.
“Fortunately, there was no casualty among the troops,” Boransing said, as he described the site of the clash as a forested slope.
He said the firefight lasted for about 20 minutes that resulted in the death of an NPA female combatant, who is about 20 to 25 years old. She was abandoned by her comrades, who fled to different directions.
He said the troops recovered her remains and they have already coordinated with the police and municipal health office to embalm and to help establish her identity.
He said the remains will be handed over to the family for a decent burial once the identity is established. (SunStar Zamboanga)