1 suspected NPA rebel killed in Agusan del Norte clash

An alleged New People's Army rebel was killed following a clash with government security forces in the southern Philippine province of Agusan del Norte on Tuesday, a military statement said.

According to the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion, operating troops from their unit engaged an undetermined number of NPA rebels at Sitio Calaitan in Barangay Simbalan in Buenavista town.

The 23rd IB said the residents informed them of the presence of the suspected rebels in the area.

It added that the firefight lasted for 10 minutes, after which the rebels left behind their fatality and three firearms consisting of two M16 rifles and a cal. 30 carbine. Also recovered were personal belongings and other documents from the rebels.

"This operation is part of our relentless effort to end the local communist armed conflict in our area of operation," said 23rd IB commander Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Balingao.

He expressed confidence that government troops "can contain [the rebels] from conducting terror activities" with the support of the residents in the area.

The Philippines has been battling the communist insurgency for over five decades.

In late November last year, the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines signed a joint communique in Oslo, Norway on the possible resumption of peace talks between the two panels.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro later clarified that what was agreed upon was for "exploratory talks" and not formal peace negotiations yet. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News