3 NPA fighters slain in North Cotabato clash

KIDAPAWAN CITY — At least three members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in an encounter in a remote village in Magpet town in North Cotabato early morning Friday, military sources said.

Senior Inspector Jose Marie Molina, Magpet town chief of police, confirmed reports from the 19th Infantry Battalion of an encounter with still undetermined number of rebels in Don Panaca village in this city at 6:45 a.m. on Friday, where three bodies of suspected NPA members were recovered.

Government troops also retrieved an M16 armalite rifle, personal belongings and other documents at the encounter site, police said. WILLIAMOR MAGBANUA