Female NPA fighter slain in clash with soldiers in Misamis village

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY –– A woman fighter of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in an encounter with government troops on Monday, March 1, in Balingoan town, Misamis Oriental, police said.

1Lt. Jefferson Mariano, civil-military operations officer of the 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB), said they withheld the identity of the woman until her family has been informed of her fate.

The clash occurred in the village of Mantangale between some 30 communist guerrillas and 58IB troops, said Major Christian Relevo, Misamis Oriental provincial police spokesperson.

Relevo said the rebels were in the village to collect money and food from residents.

Soldiers found the NPA fatality as they scoured the area after the guerrillas fled.

Also found were two M16 rifles, three magazines for the AK47 rifle, four magazines for the M14 rifle, three rifle grenades, two handheld radios, three cellular phones, three solar panels, assorted medicines, personal belongings, 18 backpacks, and documents.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Ricky Canatoy, 58IB commanding officer, appealed to the rebels to lay down their firearms and begin a new life under the fold of the law.

LZB