Soldier killed, 3 more wounded in clashes with NPA in Misamis

MANILA, Philippines - One soldier was killed and three others were wounded in clashes with suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Misamis Occidental last Wednesday.

Reports reaching Camp Aguinaldo showed that three encounters between the Philippine Army's 55th Infantry Battalion and the NPA ensued in Barangay Anonang in Bonifacio town.

Soldiers encountered as much as 35 full-armed men during the first clash, which happened at 11:15 a.m.

Two brief clashes between soldiers and a splintered rebel group under an unknown leader followed at 11:40 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.

One soldier identified as Cpl. Depositario was killed after the skirmishes while three others namely 2Lt. Pamor, Cpl. Vincoy and Pvt. Lee were wounded.

Security forces are now conducting pursuit operations against the rebels and have blocked possible withdrawal routes.