By DEXTER GANIBE
ABS-CBN General Santos City
MALAPATAN, SARANGANI - A firefight broke between military troops and members of the communist group in Barangay Kihan Saturday afternoon.
Lt. Col. Ricardo Santiago, commanding officer of the Philippine Army's 27th Infantry Battalion said in a telephone interview that around 2:30 p.m. Saturday his men encountered armed men from the New People's Army's Front 71 led by a certain Kumander Yoyong.
The officer added that while the battalion’s Alpha Company led by Lt. Dexter Ginete was conducting an area patrol from Barangay Kinam to Barangay Kihan, the troop encountered the rebel group.
"Our men are in the area because they are scouring the two villages after reports from the residents that armed men were spotted there and were allegedly demanding food from the villagers," explained Santiago.
He added that the firefight lasted for almost two hours and that the rebels were forced to retreat.
One M-16 rifle with live ammunition rounds was recovered by the military as they continued to chase the rebels.
Santiago confirms that there was "no reported casualty on the military, but we do not have clear reports on whether there are casualties on the rebel's side."
Clearing operation by the military troops was still being conducted in Barangay Kihan.
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