NPA slain, troopers hurt in Davao clash

DAVAO CITY, Philippines  – A suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrilla was killed while four Army troopers were wounded in an encounter in Toril District in this city yesterday morning. 

Government security forces recovered three firearms following the firefight that erupted in Barangay Sibuland.

Soldiers belonging to the 84th Infantry Battalion were patrolling in Sitio Pamara when they encountered a band of rebels at around 8:20 a. m., 1Lt. Vergel Lacambra, spokesman for the Army’s 10th Infantry Division (ID), said.

Lacambra said the firefight lasted 20 minutes.

The rebels fled leaving behind their dead comrade and two M16 Armalites and another rifle with a grenade launcher.

The wounded soldiers were taken to Camp Panacan Station Hospital for treatment.

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Maj. Gen. Eduardo Año, chief of the 10th ID, said the residents sought help from the soldiers regarding the presence of armed men engaging in extortion activities in the village.

In another incident, Army troopers clashed with around 20 rebels in Paquibato District, also in this city yesterday.

No casualty was reported in the firefight that broke out in Barangay Fatima, the military said.  – With Alexis Romero

Source: philstar.com - Nation