4 NPA leaders killed in Bukidnon clash

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — Four ranking members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in an encounter with government troopers in Barangay Tikalaan in Talakag, Bukidnon on Thursday.

Maj. Francisco Garello Jr. of the 4th Infantry Division (ID) identified the slain NPA leaders as Carlisio Sumalinog, Jovilito Pontillas, Gary Juliana and Jelly Sugnot.

Garello said seven M16 rifles, an M203 grenade launcher, two R4 carbine rifles, an M653, three Garand rifles, an AK47 and an M14 were recovered from the fatalities.

There was no reported casualty on the side of the government.

Maj. Gen. Wilbur Mamawag, 4th ID commander, commended the Army’s Special Forces Battalion of the 403rd Brigade for the successful operation.

Government troopers were deployed in the area after civilians reported the presence of about 30 armed men.