NPA rebel killed in Bukidnon clash

A New People’s Army (NPA) member was killed on Monday as troops continue their pursuit operations after the Valentine’s Day encounter which claimed the lives of two soldiers in Sitio Green Valley, Brgy Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon last Feb 14.

Captain Ryan Layug, civil military officer of the 403rd Brigade, said the NPA scampered during the firefight n Lantapan, Bukidnon and left their dead comrade behind.

The troops captured one M653 high powered rifle. The encounter site is adjacent to an NPA hideout where the soldiers found 3 sacks of rice.

The firefight on Monday brought the number of NPAs killed to five.

“The Special Forces tracked and reached the NPAs in Lantapan, Bukidnon after being tipped off by civilians. This is a clear manifestation that they are unwanted to IP communities and farmers in the area” Col Edgardo De Leon, 403rd Brigade Commander said.

Residents of Sitio Green Valley, Brgy Dalawangan, Malaybalay City earlier declared the NPA as persona non-grata.

“We will defend our people and communities from these terrorist at all cost. That is our mandate,” Brigadier General Franco Nemesio Gacal, commander of the 4th Infantry Division said. PJ Orias