2 alleged NPA rebels killed in Misamis Oriental clash

Two suspected members of the New People’s Army were killed during a clash with the Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB) in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental on Thursday morning, the military said.

In a statement, the military said the fatalities were one male and one female. The cadavers have yet to be identified, according to the military.

Troops conducted combat operations after concerned civilians reported that they encountered rebels, which led to a 20-minute firefight in Sitio Haruhay in Barangay Lunotan, the military said.

Recovered from the encounter site were two M16 rifles; an improvised explosive device (IED), cellphones and other materials.

“This encounter should serve as an another eye-opener to the remaining members of the NPA to voluntarily surrender and avail the different programs of the government that are enough for them to start a new life,” said the 58IB commanding officer,  Lieutenant Colonel Ricky Canatoy. — Joviland Rita/BM, GMA News