1 NPA rebel slain, 3 nabbed in South Cotabato

KORONADAL CITY –– A communist rebel was killed and three others were arrested during military operations in the mountains of Tupi, South Cotabato, the military here reported.

Lt. Col. Jones Brisal Otida, commander of 27th Infantry Battalion, said government forces clashed with 40 communist rebels in Sitio Pangi, Barangay Lunen, Tupi, South Cotabato about 6 p.m. Monday.

The rebels fled deep into the forest of Tupi after the firefight, leaving the slain rebel, who was turned over to village officials.

Government forces recovered an M-14 rifle and M-16 Baby Armalite rifle at the clash site.

Otida said the 27th IB operating troops, led by 1Lt. Gem Gautani, also held three people, suspected to be NPA rebels near the encounter site.

They were Romeo Maan, 38; Danny Min, 46; both residents of Barangay Lunen; and Bading Fay, 56, a resident of Barangay Lam-afus, Banga, South Cotabato.

Soldiers said they recovered a homemade UZI sub-machine gun, a rifle grenade, antigovernment documents, food supplies, and personal belongings from the three suspects, who were turned over to the Tupi police for filing of charges.  (Editor: Leti Z. Boniol)