5 rebels killed, 2 troopers hurt in Bukidnon clash

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Five suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas were killed while two Army troopers were wounded in an encounter in Pangantucan, Bukidnon on Wednesday. 

The Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command said the rebels belonged to the NPA’s North Central Mindanao Regional Committee based in Bukidnon. 

Col. Nasser Lidasan, chief of the Army’ 1st Special Forces Battalion, said the troopers were on their way to verify the presence of armed men in Barangay Mendiz when a band of guerrillas waylaid them.

The troopers fired back, prompting the rebels to flee, leaving behind their dead comrades.

Lidasan has coordinated with the provincial government for the disposition of the cadavers of the slain rebels.

Authorities have yet to identify the fatalities. The wounded soldiers were brought to a medical facility for treatment.

Government security forces recovered a rifle, 19 backpacks, food, medical supplies and documents from the slain rebels.