Soldiers slay 3 suspected rebels

Government troops shot dead three suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels while suffering no losses in a clash early Sunday in Davao City, the military said.

The 69th Infantry Battalion recovered an M14 rifle, two unexploded bombs and backpacks following the encounter in Barangay Paradise Embac in Paquibato district.

Battalion commander Lt. Col. Rodney Intal said his men were shot at while checking reports that gunmen had been conducting extortion activities in the area.

Residents identified the fatalities as Randy Cornasa and Ruben Inlog. The other slain rebel was unidentified.

Intal said his troops were pursuing other rebels wounded in the clash who escaped. “I encourage those wounded NPA members to come out for medical treatment as our security forces will not stop their pursuit,” Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Aurelio Baladad said.

The Eastmincom killed 38 NPA members and seized 72 high powered firearms in operations this year.–Julie M. Aurelio