NPA rebel killed in Saranggani

MANILA, Philippines - A New People’s Army (NPA) bandit was killed in an encounter with soldiers in Barangay Tamban in Malungon, Sarangani province yesterday.

Col. Leopoldo Galon, spokesman for the Eastern Mindanao Command, said the troops also recovered an M-16 assault rifle with an M-203 grenade launcher from the yet unidentified slain rebel.

Fighting broke out when members of the 73rd Infantry Battalion who were conducting security patrol, chanced on a group of NPA rebels at around 10:30 a.m.