2 NPA rebels killed in Davao del Norte clash

MANILA, Philippines—Military troops killed two communist rebels and recovered four high-powered firearms after a 50-minute firefight in Davao del Norte Wednesday, an official said.

Captain Alberto Caber, Eastern Mindanao Command Public Affairs Chief, said two unidentified members of the New People’s Army were killed at 3:08 p.m. at Sitio (settlement) Kimataan II, Barangay (village) Gupitan, Kapalong town, Davao del Norte.

Soldiers of the 60th Infantry Battalion recovered one AK-47 rifle, two M-16 rifles and one M-14 rifle with one unexploded improvised explosive device and one pair of binoculars.

Caber said the government side suffered no casualty.

“The soldiers were on hot pursuit operations against the NPA bandits after a clash on October 26 on the same village,” Caber said.

On Sunday, the same Army battalion killed two NPA rebels in the same village after the armed communists fired upon the 60th IB and personnel of the Kapalong police.

“It can be recalled that villagers condemned the extortion activities perpetrated by the NPA bandits and reported them to the government security forces, prompting the AFP and thePhilippine National Police to conduct joint operations in the area,” Caber said.

Lieutenant General Aurelio Baladad directed all military unit commanders to intensify its operations against the leftist rebels.

“In the spirit of bayanihan, we are waiting for their return to the folds of the law,” Baladad said.