4 NPAs wounded in Sultan Kudarat clash

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Soldiers recovered two M16 assault rifles left by wounded New People’s Army guerillas who retreated following a clash with state forces in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat Monday.

Citing reports from villagers, local government officials told journalists Tuesday the encounter in Barangay Batang Bagras in Palimbang erupted when NPA members attacked a team of soldiers dispatched to check the presence of guerillas in the area.

Residents of Barangay Batang Bagras were quoted in radio reports Tuesday as saying that four NPAs — two of them identified only as Ramon and Victor — were wounded in the incident. The two others were reportedly members of the Dulangan-Manobo tribe, identified as Emfid and Kedew.

Citing a report from the 57th IB and the 603rd Infantry Brigade, Army Major Gen. Alex Rillera, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, said the fighters who clashed with soldiers were remnants of a local armed group that, he claimed, forcibly collected money and food from villagers.

He said it was the residents of Barangay Batang Bagras who led the soldiers to the location of the rebels Monday.

Members of the Palimbang Municipal Peace and Order Council told reporters via mobile phone Tuesday that 126 members of the NPA have surrendered to units of 6th ID and the Police Regional Office-12 in the past 14 months.