2 rebels slain in Surigao Sur clash

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines  – Two suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas were killed in an encounter with Army soldiers in Surigao del Sur last Friday, the military reported yesterday.

The Army’s 4th Infantry Division said the firefight between soldiers from the 36th Infantry Battalion and members of the NPA Guerrilla Front 30 occurred in Barangay Hinapuyan, Carmen town.

Lt. Col. Anastacio Suaybaguio, chief of the 36th IB, said the troopers recovered an AK-47 rifle, an M16, documents and personal belongings of the guerrillas from the scene of the clash.

Meanwhile in Iloilo, a soldier was wounded in another encounter with the rebels in Tubungan town Friday, a military official said.

Pfc. Ronald Apiladas was taken to a hospital for treatment of bullet wounds in the leg and hips.

Lt. Col. Aldwine Almase, chief of the Army’s 82nd IB, said the 30-minute firefight occurred at around 3:10 p.m. in Barangay Buloc.

Almase said his men were on patrol in Sitio Cadinglian when at least 30 rebels ambushed them. He said the rebels also suffered casualties as bloodstains were seen along their escape route.

Last Friday’s clash occurred two days after troops from the Army’s 82nd IB overran an NPA camp in nearby Igbaras town.

Almase said there have been reports of NPA recruitment and extortion activities in the area.