NPA bomb expert slain in Surigao del Norte clash

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines — The military confirmed yesterday the death of a New People’s Army (NPA) bomb expert in an encounter in Surigao del Norte on Wednesday.

The fatality was said to be the ordnance expert of the Guerrilla Front 16 of Northeastern Mindanao.

Lt. Benjamin Elisand de Dios, civil military officer of the 30th Infantry Battalion based in Gigaquit town, said the clash occurred in Barangay Alipao in Alegria.

De Dios said an M16 rifle, an AK47, an AR15 rifle, a rifle grenade, an anti-personnel mine, a two-way radio, various types of ammunition, bomb materials and personal belongings were among those recovered from the fatality.