Two alleged NPA rebels killed in encounter with military in Zamboanga del Sur

May 12, 2020

Two alleged members of New People's Army (NPA) were killed in a 25-minute firefight with government troops in Zamboanga del Sur last Monday.

Major Arvin Encinas, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command spokesman, said the troops of 53rd Infantry Battalion encountered reported members of the Communist Terrorist Group in Sitio Pisyo, Barangay Balonai, Midsalip municipality at 11:05am

He said the troops were on combat patrol when they encountered the armed men.

"While scouring the area of engagement, troops recovered two enemy cadavers, two AK47, and one backpack," he said.

"Recovered cadavers were extricated from the area for proper disposition," he added.

Col. Leonel Nicolas, Army's 102nd Brigade commander. said the troops conduct pursuit and established blockade to track down the fleeing rebels.

Following the successful operation, Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, WestMinCom commander "commended the troops of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan for their remarkable accomplishments amid the health crisis." Robina Asido/DMS