Seven NPA men killed in Sarangani encounter

By Funny Pearl A. Gajunera
Seven members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in a series of encounters in Sarangani Province on Monday.
The military said members of the 73rd Infantry Battalion engaged the rebels in two gun battles, one at 8 a.m. and the other at 3:30 p.m., in Sitio Tubal, Barangay Datal Anggas, Alabel, Sarangani Province.
After the battle, the government troops were able to seize two AK-47s, one M653 rifle, and six M167 rifles.
According to reports, the soldiers encountered around 30 NPA members led by a certain Lucas, the secretary of the NPA Far South Mindanao Regional Committee.
The Philippine Air Force sent two MG-520 attack helicopters that provides close air support to the ground soldiers.
The bodies of the slain rebels were brought to Angel Funeral in Alabel while they were yet to be identified as of press time.
The military said no one was injured on the side of the government troops.