2 Soldiers Killed, 4 Others Wounded in Misamis Oriental Clash with Rebels

Manila — Three troopers were killed while four others were wounded following a series of clashes with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Misamis Oriental Friday morning.

Major Christian Uy, 4th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the first encounter took place around 5:34 a.m. around Sitio Kapatagan, Barangay Umagoss, Lagonglong town, Misamis Oriental.

Soldiers from the 58th Infantry Battalion were conducting routine security patrol when fired upon an undetermined number of NPAs.

Three troopers were hurt in this encounter with the rebel group sustaining an undetermined number of injured or casualty.

The second engagement took place an hour later as troopers, also from the same unit, were fired upon while clearing a landing zone for the helicopter that will evacuate the wounded.

A soldier was killed and another wounded in this encounter.

The third clash ensued between the blocking force of 58th Infantry Battalion and the NPAs at around 8:30 a.m. at Barangay Kibanban, Balingasag town, Misamis Oriental which resulted in the death of another soldier.

Pursuit operations are now ongoing against the NPA band who sustained an undetermined number of casualty in the series of incidents. (PNA) /PFN