2 rebels slain as soldiers use cannons in Salay

By NITZ ARANCON
Correspondent

TWO communist rebels were killed as the military continued its offensive and started pounding guerrilla positions with artillery fire in an outlying barangay in Salay, Misamis Oriental late last week, an Army spokesman said yesterday.

Army Capt. Nestor Endozo, spokesman of the 58th Infantry Battalion, confirmed that at least two guerrillas were killed during the military offensive in Barangay Upper Bunal in Salay at around 3 pm on Friday.

Endozo said the slain rebels were members of the New People’s Army’s Front 4B Committee.

He said the two deaths came during the fifth round of exchange of firepower between government and rebel forces in the area since Wednesday.

Endozo confirmed that Army soldiers were using cannons in the offensives in Bunal. He said this came after the military was able to determine the exact location of the rebels’ camp.

“Until now, we are conducting a continuing hot pursuit operation against them to protect the people in the area,” he said.

Endozo said it was likely that the military offensives have resulted in more casualties on the part of the NPA. He said soldiers have seen mainy bloodstains.

Endozo claimed the military suffered no casualties, and no civilian was hurt although many villagers evacuated.