DAVAO CITY — Soldiers of the 39th Infantry Battalion (39IB) and members of the New People’s Army (NPA) clashed in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, morning of Christmas day.
The encounter happened in Barangay Sibulan in the said town around 9 a.m. when the soldiers went to the area after receiving information regarding the presence of NPA rebels in the area.
Upon reaching the place, troops were fired upon by the NPA rebels while most members of their group were busy establishing shanties and celebration stages for their supposed 50th Anniversary.
The report said the encounter forced the NPA to leave their encampment that could accommodate about 30 people.
Also, the responding troops discovered combat equipment and valuable documents left behind by the rebels in the camp. (Armando B. Fenequito Jr.)