65th IB combatants neutralize 2 NPAs in Bukidnon
Mindanao Armed Conflict • 15:15 PM Mon Aug 12, 2019
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By:
John M. Unson
The three assault rifles recovered by members of the 65th IB. (Shared photos)
COTABATO CITY --- Soldiers shot dead two New People’s Army guerillas in a brief encounter Sunday in Talakag town in Bukidnon province.
The 10-minute gunfight erupted when NPAs fired at personnel of the Army’s 65th Infantry Battalion dispatched to check on the reported presence of rebels in Barangay San Rafael, Talakag collecting money from hapless residents.
Lt. Col. Benjamin B Pajarito, Jr., commanding officer of 65th IB, Monday said the soldiers he dispatched to Barangay San Rafael were forced to return fire when rebels attacked them from different directions.
Rebels have long been collecting “protection money” on periodic basis from residents of Barangay San Rafael for their food and other needs.
Pajarito said the rebels scampered away after two got killed by soldiers advancing towards them.
Two cadavers of still unidentified NPAs were found at the scene of the encounter, abandoned by companions as they fled in haste.
Soldiers also recovered an M14 and two M16 assault rifles along their escape route.