15 suspected NPA members killed in Misamis Oriental

Fifteen suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in an encounter with government forces in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental on Sunday morning, the military said.

Major Francisco Garello Jr., 402nd Infantry Brigade civil military operations officer, said local residents approached and informed the troops about the presence and extortion activities of around 80 NPA members in Barangay Kamanikan.

The soldiers immediately responded to the area resulting in a firefight until Tuesday.

After the encounter, the military claimed it seized two M16 rifles, one AK47 rifle, one Carbine rifle, one M14 rifle, assorted magazines, ammunition, communication gadgets and devices, ten anti-personnel mines, assorted medical items, and personal belongings.

The remains of the rebels killed were turned over to the representative of Gingoog Mayor Eric Canosa for proper identification and disposition.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Maurito Licudine, commander of the 402nd Infantry Brigade, commended the local residents who tipped off the whereabouts of the rebels as it helped them in their military operation. —Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News