Agusan del Sur map. INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — Two suspected members of the communist New People’s Army have been killed in an encounter with government troops in Agusan del Sur town, the Philippine Army said Wednesday.
Soldiers from the 3rd Special Forces Battalion and 10 NPA rebels figured in a 15-minute firefight at Sitio Vertudazo, Brgy, on Monday. San Juan in Bayugan City, where a certain “Dano” and “Zig” were killed, according to the military.
Former rebels identified Dano and Zig, the Army said.
Consequently, the military seized M4 Carbine Rifle, one modified carbine rifle, numerous ammunition and magazines, and 12 cellular phones following the clash.
The Army said the focused military operation stemmed from the information given by residents in the area.
Lt. Col. Paulo Baylon, Commanding Officer of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion, sympathized with the killed rebels’ family and friends “who lost their lives in this senseless fight.”
“We don’t have to end like this. We are sincere in the offer of peace,” Baylon said in a statement Tuesday. — MJ Soriano, trainee
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