Troops, NPA clash in Zamboanga del Sur town

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  - Fighting sparked when government troops clashed  with 20 heavily-armed suspected New People’s Army (NPA) members that left undetermined rebel casualty Thursday in the hinterland of Bayog town, Zamboanga del Sur,  a security official said.

Brig. Gen. Daniel Lucero, commanding general of 1st Army Division, said the troops under the 53rd Infantry Battalion launched the operation and caught up  with the rebels  at Barangay Dagum about 11:35a.m Thursday.

Firefight sparked for 20 minutes,  sending the rebels to retreat with undetermined casualties toward the forested area and evading the pursuing military troops.

No one was reported  hurt from the troops during the attack.

The military launched the combat operation after the rebel groups rounded up  village watchers and officials two weeks ago.

The rebels who disguised as military forces slipped  into the barangay hall and rounded all the village officials and watchmen present and took the barangay officials' firearms  before escaping.