DAVAO CITY — The Army reported that three rebels and a soldier were killed in a series of encounters between the elements of the 60th Infantry Battalion (60IB) and the New People’s Army in Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley Province on Wednesday, May 18.
The 10th Infantry Division in a press release Thursday, May 19 said the encounters happened in Sitio Booy, Barangay Pinamuno, San Isidro town in Davao del Norte and in Sitio Tugpahan, Barangay Imelda, Laak, Compostela Valley Province.
The Army said the first encounter in Sitio Booy happened around 1:55 pm Wednesday where two alleged members of the NPA and a soldier were killed. The identity of the soldier is still being withheld pending notification of his family.
Government troops also recovered two unexploded Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), a 200-meter detonating cord, blasting caps, subversive documents, a cellphone, and some personal belongings.
Meanwhile, the second encounter in Sitio Tugpahan occurred at around 2:50 pm where no casualty was reported. Another encounter occurred at 5:50 pm, still in Sitio Booy, said the Army where they found dead an alleged rebel and an AK-47 rifle.
Lt. Col. Emmanuel A. Canilla, the Commander of 60IB, condoled with the family of the casualties. He also said that the Army “is always prepared to use legitimate force” against the NPAs. (davaotoday.com)
