6 soldiers, 23 NPA rebels killed in Bukidnon clashes

MANILA, Philippines - Six soldiers and 23 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels have been killed in clashes since Sunday in three barangays in Quezon, Bukidnon.

Maj. Michele Anayron Jr., spokesman of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, confirmed that six soldiers were slain in the firefights in Barangays Sta. Cruz, Lipa and Kiburiao, all in Quezon town.

The NPA suffered 23 casualties, reportedly including the political officer of the NPA’s Front Committee 6 based in Northern Mindanao, the military said.

 NPA-Front Committee 6 commander Alexander Llesis was among those critically wounded and his relatives have reportedly asked the military to arrange for his surrender.

Anayron said the first encounter in Barangay Sta. Cruz last Sunday lasted for more than four hours and resulted in the soldiers’ overrunning an NPA camp.

Anayron said MG520 helicopters of the Philippine Air Force were dispatched to Quezon town to provide close air support to the ground troops.    – With Jaime Laude