ZAMBOANGA CITY – Military troops hunting a group of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels figured in a clash that injured a militiaman in Misamis Occidental province, officials said Monday.
Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the subject of the pursuit operation are members of the Guerrilla Front Sendong of the NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee.
Vinluan said the troops of the 10th Infantry Battalion were conducting combat operations when they figured in a 20-minute firefight with 20 rebels in Barangay Tuno, Don Victoriano Chiongbian, Misamis Occidental on Jan. 30.
The NPA communist terrorists, who were believed to have incurred casualties, fled bringing along their wounded comrades.
“The enemy (NPA rebels) incurred an undetermined number of casualties as evident in the bloodstains in their withdrawal path,” said Lt. Col. Ray Tiongson, 10IB commander.
Tiongson said the militiaman, whose identity was withheld, is recuperating at a hospital in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.
The troops recovered personal belongings, assorted foodstuff, and 60 live ammunition for AK-47 assault rifle at the clash site. (PNA)
