Special Forces soldier killed, NPA firearms seized in Bukidnon

One soldier from the Army’s Special Forces was killed as government troops clashed with communist rebels in Bukidnon on Friday, the military said.

Troops from the 1st Special Forces Battalion acted on reports from the community that there were extortion activities from the members New People’s Army at sitio Kambangon in Brgy. Lilingayon in Valencia City at around 2 p.m., Army’s 4th Infantry Division spokesperson Captain Joe Patrick Martinez said in a statement.

When they reached the sitio, the communist rebels opened fire at the troops.

The two-hour gun battle left one soldier killed. He had a rank of Private First Class but he was not immediately identified to the media until his family is informed.

The soldiers were able to recover nine high-powered firearms from the communist rebels: two AK47, two M653, and five M16 A1 rifles; one improvised explosive device; eight AK47, three M14, and one M16 magazines; and one rifle grenade.

“There’s nothing noble about making our people miserable. We urge you to heed the call of the government to stop this nonsense armed struggle and start living peacefully with your families,” Army’s 4th Infantry Division MGen Benjamin Madrigal Jr. was quoted as saying. CDG

RELATED STORIES
Soldier killed by colleague at Army teambuilding event

6 BIFF men, soldier killed in Maguindanao clashes – Army