A SOLDIER was killed in a clash with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay San Juan, Gingoog City early this morning today, Wednesday.

Army's 58th Infantry Battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel Ricky Canatoy, has confirmed that a government soldier (enlisted personnel) was killed in the clash at Sitio Talabaga, in Gingoog City.

“The firefight lasted for 20 minutes,” said Canatoy adding they are saddened with the lost of one of their soldiers.

He declined to identify the fatality pending notification of his family.

Canatoy believed his troops encountered the same NPA members operating in the eastern part of Misamis Oriental who they figured in the two previous encounters late last month.

Canatoy said clashes came after their two high-ranking NPA leaders and three others were arrested after a joint military and police operation in Alagatan village, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental last September, this year.

“They (NPA) are still looking for a way to rescue their arrested leaders,” Canatoy said.

He said the arrested leaders were identified as Manuelito Satur, alias Mosong, 56, resident of Barangay San Luis, Gingoog City; and his wife Merlyn, alias Maya, of Barangay Kibanban, Balingasag town, Misamis Oriental.

Both are from the NPA’s Sub-Regional Committee 1 (SRC1), North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC), according to Canatoy.

“Our troops are in the offensive,” said Canatoy adding that there were also injuries in the rebel group.

“There was a blood stain found in the opponent's area,” he said.

Canatoy said pursuit operations were conducted by the 58IB against the rebels.

Meanwhile, after the encounter, the NPA claimed that the Duterte administration has spreading a big lie that the communist groups will be eliminated.

“Nearly 5-10 meters are possessed by the NPA-Misor unit against the army of the 58IB during the encounter today, October 13,” NPA said in a statement.

It also said the battle only lasted for 10 minutes, around 6 or less in the morning, as the NPA safely withdrawn without casualties. (Ben Balce)