5 NPA rebels killed in Davao clash

MANILA, Philippines - At least five New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were reportedly killed in a clash with government forces in Davao City yesterday morning.

Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, spokesman of the Army’s 10th Division, said the encounter ensued after the communist rebels attacked a military detachment at Sitio Mangani, Barangay Tapak in Paquibato district at 5:45 a.m.

Paniza said the rebels snatched civilians and used them as shields in entering the detachment, which is under the Army’s 69th Battalion. 

A firefight erupted but members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographic Unit (CAFGU) defended their position, he said. – With Edith Regalado