ST. CHRISTINE, Lianga, Surigao del Sur, Philippines – A New Peoples Army (NPA) member was killed while two high-powered firearms and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were recovered in the encounter with government troops in Trento town, Agusan del Sur, on Tuesday afternoon, military officials reported.

Lt. Col Dannilo D. Benavides, commanding officer of 75th Infantry Battalion (75th IB) of the 401st Infantry Brigade, said that the government troops encountered some 20 heavily armed NPA rebels allegedly in extortion activity in the area.

He said the rebels were members of Guerrilla-Front Committee 20 of the CPP-NPA Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.

The gunbattle resulted in the death of one NPA member whose identity was still unknown as of yesterday.

The firefight also resulted in the recovery of one M16 Armalite rifle, one Garand rifle, IED’s and other war materials.

Two soldiers were slightly wounded during the gunfight. (Mike U. Crismundo)