DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Two New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas were killed in encounters with soldiers of the 26th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Sitio Mahayon-hayon, Barangay Guibonon, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur on Thursday and Friday.
The military said the first encounter left S/Sgt. Joseph Hulibayan wounded.
Soldiers recovered two M16 rifles, an AK47, bandoliers, magazines and ammunition.
Lt. Col. Romeo Jimenea of the 26th IB said they are coordinating with police and local government officials to identify the slain communist rebels.
Personnel of the 39th IB and Civilian Active Auxiliary clashed with an undetermined number of rebels in Barangay Tuburan, Tulunan, Cotabato on Thursday. There was no reported casualty on both sides.
Maj. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr., Eastern Mindanao Command chief, ordered government troopers to intensify security operations to allow communities to cope with the crisis brought by the coronavirus disease 2019.