MANILA, Philippines — A clash erupted between government troops and the New People’s Army in Davao del Sur on Tuesday, Christmas Day.
Soldiers from the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion clashed with communist rebels at Sitio Upper Dariango, Brgy. Astorga in Sta. Cruz town past 9 a.m., a military report read.
There were no casualties from the government side.
The NPA has declared a unilateral ceasefire from Dec. 24 to 26 and another from Dec. 31 to Jan. 1. The Communist Party of the Philippines will also celebrate its 50th anniversary on Dec. 26.
The government earlier said it will not reciprocate the unilateral ceasefire because it will only give the rebels a chance to regroup.
On Sunday, the NPA burned a detachment in Kalinga after a raid, leaving one soldier dead.
It also overran a military detachment in Agusan del Sur and abducted 12 militiamen and two soldiers last week. /je