NPA, gov’t forces clash in 2 Central Mindanao areas

KIDAPAWAN CITY — Firefight erupted between government forces and the New People’s Army (NPA) in two Central Mindanao areas on Friday as the communist rebels announced the impending release of two of their captives on the same day.

In Antipas, North Cotabato, the firefight lasted for about an hour with no immediate casualties reported, said Chief Inspector Rolando Dillera, the Antipas police chief.

Dillera said the clash took place in Barangay Camutan, which the rebels had stormed early Thursday. Initially, the rebels held over two dozen families. The villagers were eventually allowed to go.

“The military is still in the village to conduct clearing operations. The evacuees are all safe in our designated evacuation centers in the town proper,” Dillera said.

In Tampakan, South Cotabato, an intense firefight between soldiers and NPA rebels also erupted early Friday.

The clash started when about 50 rebels attacked a paramilitary detachment in Barangay Tablu around 8 a.m., according to Senior Inspector Harold Cornel, the Tampakan police chief.

“The fighting is still going on,” Cornel said. JE/rga