6 rebels, 5 high-powered weapons captured in Sarangani

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 12): 6 rebels, 5 high-powered weapons captured in Sarangani

Six New People's Army (NPA) rebels were reported captured by the 73rd Infantry Battalion along with five high-powered firearms in Sarangani Sunday.

This was announced by 10th Infantry Division public affairs office chief Capt. Rhyan Batchar in a statement.

The NPA members were captured during pursuit operations stemming from encounters with the rebel group from February 8 to 11.

Meanwhile, troops of 60th Infantry Battalion recovered two improvised explosive devices, a blasting machine, detonating switch and wires left behind by the fleeing NPA rebels after a series of armed encounters on Saturday in Barangay Bollucan, Laak, Compostela Valley Province.

Captured by 73rd Infantry Battalion troops at Sitio Tangis, Barangay Datal Anggas, Alabel, Sarangani were NPA recruits Simeon Salda, Jun Moda, Claude Palbe, Garzon Palbe, Rene Ompao and Sabelo Colano.

Moda was in possession of an M-16 automatic rifle while Claude, Garzon and Rene were armed with Garand rifles and Sabelo has a carbine rifle. They are all members of NPA's Guerilla Front 71.

It can be recalled that 73rd Infantry Battalion engaged the NPA in a firefight in Barangays Little Baguio of Malita, Davao Occidental and Barangay Datal Anggas, Sarangani on February 8 and 11, respectively.

In the clash, Pfc. Ricky Subere sustained a gunshot on his abdominal area.

The latter is now undergoing medical treatment in Metro Davao Medical and Research Center, Davao City.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=963284