3 rebels killed, 3 militiamen injured in Davao del Norte clashes

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Three suspected communist guerrillas were killed while three government militias were wounded in two separate clashes in the province of Davao del Norte in the past few days, a military official said.

Eastern Mindanao Command’s spokesperson Capt. Alberto Caber said three alleged members of the New People’s Army were killed while two militiamen were hurt after a fierce firefight in Barangay Gupitan in the town of Kapalong at around 5:45 in the afternoon.

The military said soldiers who scoured the area after the exchange of gunfire recovered firearms left by the rebels including an AK47 rifle and an M16 rifle.

Other items recovered include an explosive, a hand grenade, medical kit and personal belongings, the military said.

“The 2 wounded CAFGU members were immediately brought to the nearest hospital for their treatment,” Caber added.

Meanwhile, the military is already coordinating with the local government of Kapalong for the proper disposition of the dead bodies.

Last Thursday, a government militia was also wounded after a group of communist guerrillas attacked their position in Barangay Dagohoy in the nearby town of Talaingod at around 9 in the morning.

Davao del Norte and the mountains of its surrounding provinces are considered hotspots of the communist movement in the country and are the focus of the government’s anti-insurgency campaign. – Rappler.com