6 NPA rebels killed, 6 others injured in Negros Oriental clash

BACOLOD CITY ,Philippines  – Six suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed, while five others and at least one soldier, were injured in a clash between government troops and rebels at Sitio Lag-asan Barangay Tacpao in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental Sunday morning.

Colonel Jonas Sumagaysay, assistant deputy commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, said initial reports showed that three rebels were killed in the encounter but reports from civilians later in the afternoon said that six rebels died and they saw their bodies being carried by their comrades.

First Lieutenant Von Ryan Gomez said that the 11th Infantry Brigade led by Corporal Joseph Efana were conducting combat patrol operations in Sitio Lag-asan when they were fired at by about 15 to 20 armed men believed to be NPA rebels.

The firefight lasted for about 10 minutes, Gomez said.