Clash between military, NPA leaves one solider dead

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DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur, Philippines— A clash between New People’s Army (NPA) communist rebels and military personnel in Davao Occidental on Tuesday has left one soldier dead and another wounded, according to a report from the military.

The fatality of the skirmish was identified as Private First Class Harold Sacramento, while Private First Class Jhonny Caballero sustained injuries. Both soldiers belong to the 73rd Infantry Battalion.

A report from the 73rd IB indicated that a group of soldiers from the unit of 1Lt. Emmanuel Capisanan were hounded by 20 NPA rebels belonging to Front 71.

The incident – which occurred in Barangay Culaman, Jose Abad Santos town, at around 4:30 a.m. – resulted in a brief gun battle, leading to the government casualties.

A manhunt has been instigated in search of the rebels involved in the confrontation, according to Senior Supt. Michael John Dubria, Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental police director.

Dubria also gave a directive to police chiefs to be on heightened alert for possible NPA attacks in their respective areas.