NPA rebel killed in Gingoog City clash
By Alwen Saliring
GOVERNMENT soldiers killed a rebel and seized a firearm in a renewed clash against the New People's Army (NPA) in Alagatan, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental on Thursday, October 20.
Troops under the Army's 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB) encountered around eight NPA combatants believed to be remnants of Platoon Falcon, SRC-1, North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC).
The firefight lasted for about 20 minutes which resulted in the killing of a rebel and confiscation of a high-powered gun and personal belongings.
A pursuit operation is still ongoing.
The military has yet to identify the body of the killed rebel which is now at the St. Peter Funeral Homes in Gingoog City through the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) for proper disposition.
58IB commander Lieutenant Colonel Christian Uy said the troops will continue to use force against the NPA fighters who will refuse to lay down their arms.
"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Another life has been lost just because of failed ideology of the Communist Terrorists Groups. I am reiterating our call to the remnants of the CTGs who are still hiding in the hinterlands to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law while they still have the opportunity," Uy said.
Uy added that the encounter should serve as another eye-opener to the remaining members of the NPA to voluntarily surrender and avail the programs of the government to start a new life.
