Following a clash with government troops, three alleged members of the New People’s Army were killed on Saturday (June 23).

The clash occurred in Jose Abad Santos town in Davao del Sur at around 7 a.m. as tribal residents in the area reported the presence of government troops to nearby NPA guerrillas according to Lieutenant Colonel Adolfo Espuelas, Chief of the 73rd Infantry Batallion.

The three members were only identified by the names Bobong, Marvin, and Berting, all of which are members of the Sentro de Grabidad Andoy, Guerilla Front 71 of the NPA.

The group operates in the boundary of Sarangani and Davao del Sur provinces. Recovered from the scene were the slain rebels’ M-14 and M-16 rifles, ammunition, and a handheld radio. The remains of the rebels were airlifted to General Santos City.