Google map of Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental.
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Two combatants of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed Thursday during an encounter with military troops in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental.
In a statement, Lt. Col. Ricky L. Canatoy, the Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion (IB) commander, said soldiers clashed with the rebels around 6:30 a.m. in Barangay Lunotan following a civilian tipoff of the rebels' location.
Canatoy said the slain rebels – a male and female – belong to the NPA's North Central Mindanao Regional Command. Their identities were still being verified as of posting time.
Recovered from the 20-minute encounter were two M16 rifles, an improvised explosive device, mobile phones, and other personal belongings.
“This encounter should serve as another eye-opener to the remaining members of the NPA to voluntarily surrender and avail the different programs of the government that are enough for them to start a new life,” Canatoy said.
He said the 58IB will coordinate with Gingoog City's Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office to inform the dead rebels' families. (PNA)
