Government troops killed a suspected communist rebel believed to be among those who burned delivery trucks during an encounter on Tuesday in Bukidnon. Troops of the 10th Scout Ranger Battalion encountered a group of armed men, believed to be New People’s Army (NPA) members, around 2:25 a.m. at Sitio Kipolot, Barangay Palacapao in Quezon town.
The military said that the NPA group was responsible for the series of attacks including the torching of seven delivery trucks along BUDA Road, Palacapao last March 8. Col. Jess Alvarez, commander of the 403rd Brigade based in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, said that a 30-minute fire fight ensued after the pursuing troops were fired upon by the rebels. “They were on their way to verify the report on the presence of an armed group in the area when they were fired upon” Alvarez said. During the clash, an NPA rebel was killed.
Soldiers seized after the clash two M16 rifles, an AK-47 assault rifle, a radio, several ammunition. “We are coordinating with the Social Welfare of the Province and the PNP SOCO (Philippine National Police Scene of the Crime Office) for the proper disposition of the cadaver of the NPA bandit and bring him to the family longing for his return” Alvarez said.