Two suspected communist rebels, including a ranking official of the New People's Army (NPA) operating in southern Mindanao, were killed in an encounter with Army troopers in Maitum, Sarangani.
Lt. Col. Rey Rico, commander of the 34th Infantry Battalion, said the operation was conducted after confirmed reports of the presence of a group of communist rebels in Barangay New La union on Wednesday, Jan. 18.
Army troopers then sent to the area which resulted in the clash.
He identified the fatalities as Arnold Laugo Amad, alias Kempee Maguan, and reportedly the 2nd Deputy Secretary ng Guerrilla Front Musa of the Far South Mindanao Region; and, a certain Saysay.
Soldiers seized a .45 pistol in the clash site.
Rico said the other rebels fled during the clash.