MikeLigalig.com

by pna

Troopers from the Philippine Army's 27th Infantry Battalion shot and killed two New People's Army (NPA) fighters and captured another one during an encounter in Sitio Tiruray, Barangay Telafas, Columbio, Sultan Kudarat before dawn Saturday.

Lt. Col. Alexis Noel Bravo, 27th IB commander, said that they were patrolling in the area when residents told them about the presence of the rebels who were extorting food and money from farmers at around 3:20 a.m.

The soldiers, together with a police team, engaged the rebel band in a 45-minute firefight which left two of the NPA fighters dead and another one captured.

Bravo said one soldier was wounded in the encounter. He was identified as Cpl. Hajimanor Amino, who was hit in his right ankle.

He added that the slain NPA fighters are still to be identified. Their captured companion, identified as Renato Arema, was turned over to the police authorities.