MANILA – Philippine troops killed six rebels in separate clashes in southern Philippines, the military said on Tuesday (Sept. 21).
According to a military report, five New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in the first encounter that happened around 6:45 a.m. local time on Monday in Bukidnon province.
Another rebel was killed in a clash over in Agusan del Norte province later in the afternoon around 3:00 p.m.
The report said troops seized firearms from the clash sites, including AK47, M16 and M653 assault rifles.
No soldiers were wounded or killed in both clashes.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte restarted the talks to end the decades-old insurgency when he came to power in 2016, but the negotiations faltered.
The NPA rebels have been fighting the government since 1969. They concentrate their attacks in rural areas.
The NPA’s estimated strength is at 3,000, significantly lower than its peak strength in the 1980s. (Xinhua)
