Two alleged NPA killed in Bukidnon clash — military

File photo of members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA). PHOTO BY ERWIN MASCARIÑAS

MANILA, Philippines — Two alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) have been killed in a clash with government troops in Impasugong town in Bukidnon over the weekend, the Philippine Army reported.

Members of the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion and 8th Infantry Battalion figured with communist forces that led to the death of two fighters from the rebel’s side.

Government forces recovered two cadavers identified as alias Draw and alias Paet. Two alleged members identified as Nisy Sante , 72; and Gelloye Lipanya Sagular, 20, were also caught by the forces.

The military alleged that the rebels attempted to extort vegetable supplies from local farmers.

“They were approached at their farm and the [rebels] extorted vegetables from them and when they saw the soldiers approaching, they immediately fired,” claimed Anthony Bacus, Commander of 8th Infantry Battalion.

Government forces said they have rescued seven individuals including four minors.

Pedro Codaste, a Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) official, and another rebel were also killed in an encounter in Impasugong town last January 21.

However, the CPP, in a statement on January 28, alleged that no such encounter took place in the area that day.

They also claim that Codaste has been detached from the NPA since August 2021.

JPV