2 suspected communist rebels killed in Zamboanga del Sur clash —military

Two suspected communist rebels were killed during a clash between government troops and communists in Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur on Monday. 

According to Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) spokesman Major Arvin Encinas, soldiers from the Philippine Army's 53rd Infantry Battalion were conducting combat patrol when they had an encounter with the communists in Sitio Pisyo, Barangay Balonai. 

Encinas said the gun battle lasted for 25 minutes. 

He said while troops were clearing the area, they recovered two bodies of suspected communists, two AK47 firearms and a backpack. The recovered bodies were removed from the area for proper disposition.

Meanwhile, WestMinCom chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana hailed the troops of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan for the latest accomplishment against communist group.

"Rest assured that we will disallow these terror groups to thrive in the communities by exhausting all our capabilities," Sobejana said. 

Joint Task Force ZamPeLan commander Major General Gene Ponio urged the residents in the area to remain vigilant and report the presence of suspicious people to authorities. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KG, GMA News