Soldiers, NPAs clash in Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Government troops clashed with suspected New People’s Army (NPA) collecting so-called permit to campaign fees from candidates in a town in Zamboanga del Norte Friday morning, military officials said yesterday.

Villagers informed the soldiers, who are members of the 10th Infantry Battalion, on the location of the NPA rebels, said Capt. Jefferson Somera, spokesman for the Army’s 1st Infantry Division.

Somera said the firefight, which lasted for one and  half hours, occurred in the hinterlands of Leon Postigo town.  

Lt. Col. Leonel Nicolas, commanding officer of the 10th IB, said they recovered a 357 magnum revolver, three  sacks of food stuff, medical equipment and 50 rounds of  live ammunition for M16 at the scene.