A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was slain during a firefight with government troops in Sultan Kudarat, the military reported yesterday.
Troops from the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion (IB) were conducting a combat operation on Saturday in Barangay Baluan, Palimbang town, when they clashed with about 20 insurgents.
During the clearing operation, soldiers recovered at the encounter site the body of one of the rebels, an M16 rifle and an M14 rifle.
The other rebels escaped and are being pursued by troops.
No one was reported killed or injured on the military side.
“This operation is a clear message that we will not tolerate the presence of these lawless elements in Sultan Kudarat,” said Brig. Gen. Michael Santos, commander of the Army’s 603rd Infantry Brigade.
Brig. Gen. Donald Gumiran, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division based in Maguindanao de Norte, urged the remaining rebels to abandon the armed struggle and surrender to the government.
“Your Philippine Army is ready to receive those who want to live a new life. Instead of living in fear and danger, you can live a peaceful life with your family,” Gumiran told the rebels.
Gumiran reiterated that the 6th ID will continue with its relentless operations against the rebels in its areas of responsibility.
