INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Government troops have killed three members of the New People’s Army in a clash in T’boli, South Cotabato, a military official said Tuesday.
Captain Rey Balibagoso, spokesman of the Army’s 1002nd Brigade, said troops from the 27th Infantry Battalion encountered the insurgents in Sitio (sub-village) Datal Halek, Barangay (village) Tudok on Sunday.
In support of the ground troops, Balibagoso said that a helicopter provided aerial cover during the firefight.
“According to civilian reports, they spotted the three casualties when the NPA were retreating,” Balibagoso said. “Shots fired from the helicopter proved fatal for the rebels.”
NPA members from Guerrilla Front 73 under the leadership of Nicanor Pason alias “Ronron” were the ones that the government troops encountered.
After the firefight, the rebels retreated toward Kiamba, Sarangani.
There were no reported casualties from the government side.
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