2 suspected NPA rebels killed in Misamis Oriental clash —military

Two suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in an encounter in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, on Tuesday, the military said.

In a statement, the 4th Infantry Division said troops belonging to the 58th and 16th Infantry Battalions responded to a report regarding the presence of armed men in Barangay Bal-ason.

They had a 30-minute firefight with around 20 alleged members of GF and SRSDG Eagles, Sub-regional Committee 1 (SRC1) of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

According to the military, two suspected rebels, both male and unidentified, were killed.

Seized from the encounter site were an M16 Rifle, an AR18 Rifle, two AK-47 rifles, an M203 grenade launcher, subversive documents, and assorted personal belongings, the military said.

Philippine Army's Commanding General and 4ID commander Major General Romeo Brawner Jr. lauded the troops in the operation.

"It is unfortunate that two lives were lost," he said. "We sincerely express our condolences to the families and relatives of the two CNTs who were killed." —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News