DAVAO CITY – Soldiers from the Army’s 26th Infantry Battalion killed two New People’s Army rebels during a clash in Veruela, Agusan del Sur on Saturday, the military reported on Sunday.
One of those killed was a still unidentified female rebel and an NPA platoon leader identified as Levi Bangonan, according to 1st Lt. Teresita Ingente, spokesperson of the 4th Infantry Division based in Cagayan de Oro City.
The bodies of the slain communist rebels were recovered in Barangay Sta. Emelia, along with eight backpacks containing medical supplies and personal items, according to Col. Andres Centino, the commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade based in Agusan del Sur.
Maj. Gen. Ronald Villanueva, the 4th Infantry Division commander, said the military was renewing its call to communist rebels to surrender so that they could live peaceful lives.
The government, he said, would even give them financial assistance.