NPA insurgent killed in Misamis Oriental clash —military

CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental—Communist rebels left the body of their fallen comrade at the site of an encounter that erupted at 10 a.m. on Saturday on the Talisayan-Medina towns boundary in Misamis Oriental, the military said Saturday.

Soldiers and militiamen under 2nd Lieutenant Viernes of the 58IB encountered the communist rebels led by a certain "Dallas."

“Our relentless operations in remote areas are meant to drive the New People's Army insurgents away from communities, as the rebels impose their permit-to-campaign and permit-to-win fees extortion modus on candidates of the coming elections," said Lt. Col. Roy Derilo, 58IB Commander.

Government troops recovered from the encounter site five high-powered firearms (4 M16 rifles & 1-AK47 rifle). Pursuit operations is ongoing as of posting time, Derilo said.

Last last February 18, an NPA geurrila  was killed during pursuit operations by the Army's Special Forces in Lantapan, Bukidnon.

Soldiers got a tip from residents of the insurgents' presence, prompting security forces' response.

“Civilians are tipping off precise location of NPA hideouts and activities," according to Col. Edgardo De Leon, commander of the 403rd Brigade securing Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental and  Camiguin provinces. —LBG, GMA News