2 NPA rebels dead in clash in Bukidnon

MANILA, Philippines - Two communist rebels were slain in a recent encounter with Army troops in Malaybalay City in Bukidnon, the military said Thursday.

In a belated report, the 8th Infantry Battalion said the clash ensued Sunday morning in the outskirt of Sitio Nabuang in Barangay Busdi.

The rebels that figured in the encounter were believed to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA) North Central Mindanao Regional Committee under a certain Junie Tilukan.

“Firefight ensued for about 30 minutes which resulted in the death of two NPA members, a male and a female, whose identities are yet to be determined,” said 1Lt. Norman Tagros, civil-military operations officer of the 8th battalion.

Soldiers also recovered two AK-47 rifles, several ammunition and magazines, personal belongings and subversive documents.

“We are again calling upon the leaders of the NPA in the province of Bukidnon to abandon their armed struggle for it will only cost the valued lives of our fellow countrymen,” said Lt. Col. Romualdo Landingin, chief of the Army’s 8th battalion. – Alexis Romero