5 killed in new Lanao firefights

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Five rebels were killed in two fresh fighting yesterday as government troops were pursuing the combined separatist and extremist guerillas in the jungles of Lanao del Sur, according to military official here.

"We have achieved our objectives, the enemy fled into the deep jungle of Mt. Palau," Col. Ernesto Boac, army’s 401st Brigade commander said.

Boac reported to the Armed Forces Southern Command chief Lt. Gen. Narciso Abaya said the first encounter broke out about 9:30 a.m in Mt. Palau, Pualas town.

He said firefight erupted for 37 minutes that left 3 enemies killed before a running gunbattle ensued as the rebels fled from the embattled site towards the deep forest.

Thirty minutes later, pursuing troops engaged again the fleeing rebels some 2 kilometers away from the first encounter site near Mt. Palau.

Boac said two more rebels were killed in the 30-minute encounter that forced the rebels to retreat to the jungle.

The troops recovered five high-powered firearms in both encounters. — Roel Pareño