3 ‘rebels’ slain in Sultan Kudarat clash

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Three alleged New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in an encounter in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat on Saturday.

The military identified the fatalities as Wilmer dela Cruz, Valerio Lacumbo and Ian dela Rama, allegedly chief of the NPA’s regional operations command in southern Mindanao.

Dela Rama and his companions died at the scene of the encounter that occurred in Barangay Baluan, according to a report from the Army’s 603rd Infantry Brigade.

Troopers were on their way to check reports about the presence of armed men in the area when the rebels reportedly opened fire at them.