Gov’t troops battle NPA rebels in North Cotabato

KIDAPAWAN CITY—Clashes erupted between government forces and communist rebels in the hinterlands of Magpet town in North Cotabato early Thursday, the military said.

Capt. Silver Belvis, 39th Intantry Battalion spokesperson, said soldiers were sent to the village of Manobo, near the foot of Mt. Apo to check on a reported harassment.

As the soldiers were entering the village at past 5 a.m. they were fired upon by about 30 heavily armed communist New Peoples Army (NPA), triggering a running gun battle, Belvis added.

“We received information from villagers about the presence of NPAs extorting civilians. Some were ordered to haul ammunition and food supplies,” Belvis said in  a radio interview.

Fighting was continuing as of 9 a.m., with more soldiers proceeding to the village of Manobo.

A still undetermined number of residents had fled to safer grounds.