2 NPA rebels slain in Misamis Oriental clash

MISAMIS ORIENTAL, Philippines — Two New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in an encounter with government troopers in Gingoog in this province on Thursday.

Lt. Col. Ricky Canatoy, 58th Infantry Battalion commander, said the clash occurred in the hinterlands of Barangay Lunotan.

He said the M16 rifles of the fatalities, a man and a woman, were recovered by state troopers.

Canatoy said soldiers were responding to the reported presence of armed men in the area when they were fired at.

He said an improvised explosive device, cellular phones, medicine and personal belongings were also recovered at the site of the encounter.

The military said pursuit operations for the rebels are ongoing.