New People’s Army (NPA) | INQUIRER.net file photo
MANILA, Philippines — An alleged member of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) was killed and another was arrested during an encounter at Barangay (village) Zion in Maitum town in Sarangani, the Philippine Army said in a statement on Saturday.
The military identified the slain NPA member as Gilbert Matingkal, 23. Arrested following the clash was an 18-year-old man.
Lieutenant Colonel Michael Angelo Candole, commander of “Task Group Bangis” of the 6th Infantry Division said troops were conducting a focused military operations in the area when they encountered the alleged NPA fighters.
“One of the rebels immediately drew his pistol, which prompted the troops to engage, which resulted in the death of one of the rebels and the capture of the other one,” Candole said.
Candole said the authorities seized a caliber 45 pistol, a magazine and ammunition at the clash site.