Suspected NPA rebel killed in clash with Army soldiers in Sarangani

From GMA News  (Dec 1): Suspected NPA rebel killed in clash with Army soldiers in Sarangani

A suspected member of the New People's Army died during a clash with government soldiers in Sarangani on Thursday.

The victim was identified as Sue Boding alias Pedped, a resident of Sitio Blebak, Little Baguio, Davao Occidental, according to the Philippine Army's 72nd Infantry Battalion (73IB).

Troops from 73IB went after a group of NPA rebels led by alias Rusi of Front Central under Weakened Guerilla Front 71, Far South Mindanao Region in Sitio Sulkili, Barangay Kihan in the municipality of Malapatan after receiving information that the group was planning to conduct an ambush operation.

The rebels were reportedly planning to ambush government troops providing security assistance to personnel of the Sarangani Provincial Health Office conducting medical services in hinterland sitios in Barangay Upper Suyan. The said barangay has a measles outbreak which already claimed 18 lives.

The clash occurred at noon on Thursday after the soldiers encountered five NPA rebels from Rusi's group.

The firefight lasted for about 30 minutes.

Recovered from the scene was one caliber .45 pistol.

The victim's body was brought to a funeral home in Malita, Davao Occidental.

“We regret that our fellow Filipino brother has to die for this unworthy purpose of the CPP-NPA Terrorists. They did not even consider the situation of their fellows who were affected by the outbreak. The only viable option for them is to embrace a peaceful life and avail of the government’s Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program," said Brigadier General Roberto Ancan, commander of the Philippine Army's 1002nd Brigade.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/676695/suspected-npa-rebel-killed-in-clash-with-army-soldiers-in-sarangani/story/