3 ‘rebels’ killed in Surigao clash

MANILA, Philippines — Three suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas were killed in an alleged encounter last week that resulted in the seizure of seven firearms in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur.

The military identified the fatalities as Alberto Castañeda, alias Justine or JD; Eric Colon, alias Neo, and Ranjie Pertos, alias Goyong.

Reports said the fatalities were officials of the NPA’s North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

Joint forces of the Army’s 30th and 36th Infantry Battalions launched a combat operation to track down at least 30 communist-terrorists when they encountered the group in Barangay Lobo on Thursday.

Brig. Gen. George Banzon, commander of the Army’s 901st Brigade, said that after a brief firefight, the guerrillas retreated, leaving behind their dead comrades and seven rifles.