2 rebels slain in Agusan clash

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – Two suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in an encounter with government troops in Agusan del Sur Friday.

The encounter occurred at around 11 a.m. in the village of Mahagsay in San Luis town, said Maj. Christian Uy, spokesperson for the Army’s 4th Infantry Division.

Uy said the rebels were part of the same group the soldiers encountered on Wednesday.

He said the soldiers recovered four AK-47 rifles, two M-16 rifles, an M203 grenade launcher and an AR-15 after a firefight with members of the Guerrilla Front Committee 88 of the North Eastern Mindanao regional committee.

Maj. Gen. Ricardo Visaya, commanding general of the 4th ID based in this city, hailed the troops for the successful operation against the rebels.

“We have again proven our effectiveness in combat. It is because of our love for our country and Filipino people that pushes us to remain steadfast in our mandate,” Visaya said.