Two people perish in armed clashes in Mindanao

Surigao Del Sur

Troops of the 36th Infantry Battalion led by 1st Lt Elmer Sangria clashed with at least 10 NPA bandits in Bgy Dayoan, Tago, Surigao del Sur at around 1:40am on April 4, 2013.

The soldiers outmaneuvered the bandits, forcing the latter to flee with their casualties. The soldiers recovered  a dead bandit who was still clutching his rifle.

Nobody was harmed among the soldiers.

Pursuit operations are underway for bandits who have intensified their extortion activities in the area.



Compostela Valley

A soldier was killed while two others were  wounded in an encounter between troops of the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion and unspecified number of bandits in Bgy Libudon, Mabini, Compostela Valley Province at around 4:30pm on April 3, 2013.

Troop reinforcements were promptly sent to recover the casualties from the encounter site and to pursue the bandits who were spotted carrying several of their dead comrades. 

The wounded soldiers are now in safe condition at a local hospital in Davao City. 

The identities of the casualties are withheld pending notification of their immediate relatives.

NPA bandits are still roaming around mine-rich areas in Compostela Valley to collect extortion money from mining companies and agricultural business firms in the area. 

Banditry is the source of income of extortion gangs who usually introduce themselves as NPA rebels.

The people in the hinterlands have denounced the forcible collection of 'donations' like food stuffs by the NPA bandits from every household.