Rebel killed during clash

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed and assorted war materiel was recovered as government troops clashed with NPA rebels in Zamboanga del Norte on Saturday.

In a statement, the 97th Infantry Battalion (97IB), said the clash took place in Barangay Linabo, Polanco, Zamboanga del Norte at about 7:50 a.m.

The 97IB said the troops were checking the reported presence of a group of NPA rebels in the village when the clash ensued.

The firefight lasted for 15 minutes after which the NPA rebels fled, leaving behind the body of their fallen comrade. (Teofilo Garcia, Jr. | PNA)

Candole, the Army’s 38th Infantry Battalion (IB) commander, identified the surrenderer only as a certain “Takla”, a member of the NPA Guerilla Front MusaFar South Mindanao Region.

Candole said Takla decided to surrender after realizing that the NPA armed struggle was "going nowhere." (PNA) An NPA guerilla identified only as “Pilo” hands over his rifle to Lt. Col. Ranier Mabus. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)