BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines – Rebel spokesman Juanito Magbanua, spokesman of a New People’s Army command has confirmed to DNX that 10, not eight NPA fighters were killed in a running gunbattle Tuesday in Oriental Negros province.
Magbanua said eight of the rebels died during the initial assault on their camp by soldiers from the 62nd Infantry Battalion and the elite Scout Ranger unit.
The two others, who he did not identify, were subsequently killed by pursuing troopers who found them in the house of a certain Huling.
He claimed the two were being treated for their wounds but were forcefully taken out of the house and shot in a palay field.
He added the two were supposed to be hors de combat or injured fighters who were supposed to have been given medical care under international laws on warfare.
The Army had earlier reported their operation led to the death of eight rebels.
