5 NPA rebels slain in encounter

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Five suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas were killed in an encounter with members of government security forces in Mabini town in Compostela Valley Friday.

The firefight in Barangay Cabuyoan also resulted in the seizure of five firearms, ammunition, personal belongings and documents.

The military has yet to identify the slain rebels.

Lt. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, chief of the Eastern Mindanao Command, said the soldiers were responding to reports about the presence of armed men in the area.

He said the residents complained about the rebels’ alleged extortion activities.