Soldiers clash with NPA anew in North Cotabato

From ABS-CBN (May 28): Soldiers clash with NPA anew in North Cotabato

Soldiers from the 57th Infantry Battalion clashed anew with members of the New People's Army (NPA) around 4 pm Tuesday at the boundary of Barangay Kitawtaw, Bukidnon and Barangay Napalico, Arakan, North Cotabato.

Lt. Col Nilo Vinluan, commander of 57 IB, said the clash is an NPA tactic to distract military operations not just in Arakan, but also in other towns in North Cotabato.

"Tinitingnan natin as isa sa mga taktika nila pero alam naman din kasi natin na they're very pressured ngayon," said Vinluan.

During the operation, a woman believed to be a member of the rebel group was captured and is now under the custody of the military for interrogation.

"Aalamin lang natin kung miyembro ba talaga sya ng NPA o ordinaryong sibilyan lang, kukunan sya ng statement tapos yung local government unit rin mismo ang mag de-determine kung resident ba talaga sya sa area," Vinluan added.

A garand rifle believed to be owned by an NPA fighter was recovered right after the encounter.

No casualty was reported on both sides.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/05/28/14/soldiers-clash-npa-anew-north-cotabato