New People’s Army in Davao region. (davaotoday.com file photo)
DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Two members of the New People’s Army were dead after a 40-minute clash with government troops in Asuncion, Davao del Norte, the Army said Sunday.
In a statement, the 10th Infantry Division said troops from 60th Infantry Battalion engaged in a 40-minute clash with NPA at Sitio Alungan, Barangay Sangayen, Asuncion, Davao del Norte at around 10 am Sunday.
“Two bodies of unidentified NPA rebels and two AK-47 rifles were recovered in the said area,” the Army said.
The Army added that two MG520 attack helicopters supported the engaged troops with rocket fires on the position of the NPA rebels.
Major Gen. Rafael C Valencia, 10th ID commander said government troops “must press on the fight and put more pressure on the NPA until they finally realize that armed struggle is not the solution to our problems.
“The CPP-NPA, who recklessly initiated the termination of the unilateral ceasefire earlier, should bear responsibility for the suffering of the people as a result of the renewed fighting in the countryside and should be condemned by the Filipino people,” Valencia said.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, military troops also engaged in firefight the NPA at Sitio Tulad, Barangay Nalus, Kiama, Sarangani province around 12:45 pm.
The military statement said no soldier was hurt on these incidents, adding that checkpoints have been placed in different areas to prevent the NPA from fleeing the area. (davaotoday.com)
