Good Friday turns bloody in Butuan as militiaman is killed in NPA clash

MANILA, Philippines – One militiaman was killed in an encounter with communist rebels in Butuan City on Good Friday, the military said.

Lieutenant Colonel Eugenio Osias IV said troops from the Army’s 3rd Special Forces Battalion were securing civilians praying the Stations of the Cross in Sitio (sub-village) Iyao in Anticala village at 5:15 a.m. when they were attacked by the rebels.

No casualties among the civilians was recorded, he added.

The encounter lasted for about 10 minutes, he also said.

Osias said there were about 15 members of the New People’s Army involved and pursuit operations by the Army are ongoing.