Suspected NPA rebel killed in Agusan del Norte clash

 

MANILA, Philippines — A suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed in an encounter in Agusan del Norte, the Philippine Army said on Wednesday.

The 23rd Infantry Battalion figured in a ten-minute firefight with suspected NPA rebels in Sitio Calaitan, Barangay Simbalan, in Buenavista town on Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Jeffrey Balingao, commanding officer of 23IB, said he could not yet confirm  whether or not some of the suspected rebels were wounded,  but he noted that heavy bloodstains were observed along their withdrawal route.

Balingao said the operations stemmed from the information related by local residents.

“This operation is part of our relentless effort to end the local communist armed conflict in our area of operation,” Balingao said in a statement.

 Three high-powered firearms were recovered from the encounter site.

Balingao also vowed that his troops would continue the pursuit operations against the NPAs.