3 alleged NPA rebels killed in clash with military in Lanao del Sur

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COTABATO CITY — Three alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in an encounter with soldiers in Sitio Bagong Silang, Kapai town in Lanao del Sur on Saturday.

Lt. Colonel Anthony Caro, commanding officer for the 55th IB, said the rebels were trying to impose a fee for a “permit to campaign” for politicians seeking to campaign in far-flung sitios of Lanao del Sur.

Caro also identified the killed rebels as members of the NPA’s sub-regional committee 5 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

Troops of the 55th IB launched a combat operation targeting the rebels, resulting in their death after a 15-minute firefight.

Four high-powered guns, ammunition, and several war materials were also recovered from the clash site.