4 NPA rebels killed in North Cotabato clash

NORTH COTABATO, Philippines  – More than 200 families were displaced during heavy gunfights between New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas and soldiers of the 27th Infantry Battalion in Arakan town Friday.

Community elders said four NPA rebels identified only as Doming, Mario, Jaime and Rogelio were killed in the encounter at the boundary of Barangays Napalico and Sumalili.

The military said the rebels fired at soldiers who responded to reports that armed men were extorting money from villagers.

Local officials said NPA guerrillas have been extorting money and rice from residents on a regular basis.

The deployment of attack helicopters by the Philippine Air Force forced the rebels to retreat toward the boundary of North Cotabato and Bukidnon provinces.