STA. CRUZ, Davao del Sur – Three persons were killed in a clash between soldiers and communist rebels in a remote area of Barangay Astorga here on Monday, police said Tuesday.
Chief Insp. Robert Caraoa, the town police chief, said government troops under the 39th Infantry Battalion were conducting foot patrol in Sitio Tubison when they encountered New People’s Army rebels under Commander Jasmin of the Front Committee 51.
Caraoa said a rebel, a soldier, and a civilian were killed in the clash.
Davao del Sur is among the Mindanao provinces where the NPA remains active.
In March 2014, the rebels attacked the Matanao town police station and killed two policemen.
A subsequent clash led to deaths of at least 9 other people, mostly policemen and soldiers. JE
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