MANILA, Philippines – Five communist rebels were killed in clashes with the government troops in Sarangani province on Monday, the military said.
Around 30 members of the New People’s Army led by alias Lucas, Secretary of Front 75 of the NPA’s Far South Mindanao Regional Committee, battled with soldiers from the Army’s 73d Infantry Battalion in sitio Tugal, Barangay (village) Datal Anggas in Alabel town at about 8a.m., said First Lieutenant Vergel Lacambra, Public Affairs Office chief of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division.
The Air Force’s two attack helicopters provided close air support to engaged troops on the ground.
The soldiers seized six high powered firearms from the rebels: Two AK-47, one M653 baby Armalite Rifle and three M16 Rifles.
Army’s 10th Infantry Division Commander Major General Eduardo Ano lauded the soldiers in the law enforcement operations.