MANILA, Philippines — Five New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas were killed in a running gun battle with government troopers in San Fernando, Bukidnon.
Four died on Wednesday and another yesterday.
Ten other suspected NPA rebels, including three minors aged 7, 12 and 15, and five women were arrested by Army troopers and personnel of the 1003rd Mobile Company of the police Regional Mobile Force Battalion. They will undergo background check to determine if they have pending warrants.
Maj. Franciso Garello Jr. of the 4th Infantry Division (ID) said four of the fatalities were immediately buried after one of them tested positive for COVID-19.
The 4th ID and Bukidnon police said the clash erupted when a group of NPA rebels attacked a team from the 88th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Malambago in Barangay Mabuhay.
The soldiers were dispatched to check the reported presence of armed men collecting money and food from residents.
Sixteen firearms, including an AK47 rifle, an M203 rifle fitted with a launcher for 40 millimeter grenade projectile, and an M14 rifle were among the items recovered at the scene. – John Unson