MikeLigalig.com

by PNA

A militiaman was killed when government security forces clashed with about 50 heavily-armed members of the New People's Army (NPA) in Sitio Damitan, Barangay Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon Saturday morning.

Major Eugenio Osias, spokesperson of the Philippine Army's 4th Infantry Division, said the encounter took place at 9:10 a.m. as troopers from the 4th Infantry Division's 403rd Infantry Brigade and Foxtrot Company of the 23rd Infantry Battalion were on combat patrol operations in the area.

A militiaman identified as Ryan P. Veluz was killed in the exchange of gunfire. The rebels quickly made their escape after the encounter.

Osias said government troopers were able to recover an M-14 and M-16 automatic rifles along with a carbine from the encounter scene.