Soldiers, rebels clash in Zambo Sibugay

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  – Government troops clashed with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay late Friday afternoon.

Capt. Alberto Caber, public information officer of the Army’s 1st Division based in Pulacan, Zamboanga del Sur, said the firefight which broke out at 4:30 p.m. in Barangay Palalian left an undetermined number of casualties from the communist group.

Caber said the troops recovered several rounds of ammunition, medical items, subversive documents and other personal belongings from the encounter site.

A team of soldiers from the 14th Scout Ranger Company launched the operation following a tip from concerned residents about the presence of the rebels in the village.

Maj. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, 1st Army Division chief, commended the civilian informants who provided information on the location of the rebels.