2 ‘ranking’ NPA members, soldier killed in Davao Oriental clash

DAVAO CITY—Three people were killed and four others were wounded in an encounter between government troops and suspected communist guerrillas in Lupon, Davao Oriental on Thursday, the military said.

Capt. Jerry Lamosao, 10th Infantry Diivision public affairs officer, said two ranking members of the New People’s Army and a soldier died during a firefight, which started around 5:30 a.m., near the village of Maragatas. The gun battle lasted for about 20-minutes.

Lamosao said soldiers were acting on reports of NPA presence, when they clashed at sitio Sigang.

Among those killed were a certain Dagol, leader of a rebel platoon; and a certain Taniel, vice platoon leader; as well as one soldier, according to Lamosao.

Four government troops were also wounded, he added.

Recovered from the encounter site were two M-16 assault rifles, one M203 grenade launcher, an improvised explosive device, and three backpacks with personal belongings and documents, the military said