2 NPA rebels killed, 5 soldiers hurt in Davao City clashes

TWO members of the New People’s Army were killed while five Army soldiers were wounded in clashes in Davao City on Thursday afternoon, the military said.

About 25 soldiers from the 69th Infantry Battalion were on security patrol when they encountered about 50 communist rebels in Puro Manga, Paquibato at about 3:45p.m., said Eastern Mindanao Command public affairs officer Captain Alberto Caber.

The wounded soldiers include a junior officer with a rank of First Lieutenant. There were three soldiers with ranks of Private First Class and one Private.

The soldiers sustained minor shrapnel wounds and now on stable condition, Caber said. They were brought to the nearest hospital for treatment.

Five of the NPA were reportedly wounded.

The soldiers also recovered ammunition for high-powered firearms and backpacks at the encounter site.

Two bodies of the communist rebels were recovered at a checkpoint near the encounter site, Caber said.

The communist rebels dragged their fallen comrades and left them at the checkpoint, he said.

A total of four encounters between soldiers and the NPA were reported in the past four days, Caber said.

“Reports from the residents about the presence of bandits on extortion and deception activities are increasing,” he said.