Soldier slain in Zamboanga del Norte clash with Reds

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Government troopers encountered communist insurgents in Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte on Thursday, leaving one soldier dead.

  The fatality was identified as Cpl. Roel Gumisad of the 51st Infantry Battalion.

 Soldiers launched the offensive after receiving reports on the presence of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Bulawan at around 2:55 p.m.

 Meanwhile, 22 members of the NPA’s Guerrilla Front Cesar surrendered in General Nakar, Quezon.

Brig. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr., 2nd Infantry Division commander, said the surrenderees turned over 10 guns, various types of ammunition and explosives.

Two members of the NPA’s West Daguma Front also surrendered and turned over their firearms in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat.