5 rebels killed in Sarangani

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Five New People's Army (NPA) rebels were killed and several firearms were recovered by government troops following a firefight in Sarangani this morning, said local authorities.

Vergel Lacambra, public affairs officer of the army's 10th Infantry Division, said troops from the army's 73rd Infantry Battalion were on a combat operation when they caught up with about 30 rebels in Alabel town around 8 a.m. local time.

Lacambra said the troops conducted the operation based on intelligence information gathered by the military.

He said military commanders dispatched two MG-520 attack helicopters to provide close-air support for the engaged troops.

During clearing operations, the troops recovered five NPA bodies at the scene of the encounter, two AK47 rifles and three M16 rifles.

No government soldiers were reported killed or injured in the incident.