Two NPA extortionists perish in Zamboanga clash

LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur– Two unidentified NPA bandits were killed and another wounded in a clash with Army soldiers in the province of Zamboanga del Norte on Wednesday, December 5.

 

Captain Albert Caber, the Spokesperson of the 1st Infantry Division, said that the clash erupted in Tinuyop village, Leon Postigo town of said province at around 3:00 pm, involving the troops of the 10th Infantry Battalion and at least 20 heavily armed bandits.

 

"There was intense exchange of gun fire which lasted about an hour before the remnants of the bandits fled to various directions with their wounded and dead comrades," he said.

 

Caber also said that the troops confiscated an M16 Rifle from the bandits. He said that pursuit operations were promptly launched by the soldiers.

 

An unnamed soldier was slightly wounded and was promptly treated by the combat medics.

 

Lt Col Taharuddin Ampatuan, the Commanding Officer of the 10th Infantry Battalion said that his troops were responding to complaints from civilian residents about the presence of heavily armed men who forcibly collected money from the community.

1st Infantry Division chief Major General Ricardo Rainier Cruz commended the civilian tipster who reported the activities of the bandits.