2 Reds killed in Davao clash

DAVAO, Philippines — Two suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in an encounter with government troopers in Calinan district, Davao City on Wednesday.

Maj. Alex Mindalano, Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) public information chief, said the clash occurred when soldiers of the 27th Infantry Battalion (IB) responded to the reported presence of an armed group in Sitio Kanacan, Barangay Saloy.

Mindalano said a wounded female NPA rebel was arrested during clearing operations. She was taken to the Southern Philippines Medical Center for treatment.

He said five rifles were recovered at the scene of the encounter.

Eastmincom chief Lt. Gen Jose Faustino Jr. lauded the efforts of the 27th IB to secure communities in Davao City from atrocities even as he commended villagers for reporting the presence of NPA rebels.