ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Government troopers have launched pursuit operations for New People’s Army (NPA) rebels who snatched three villagers during an encounter in Misamis Occidental on Monday. Benjie Jimenez of the First Infantry Division quoted Aluran Mayor Junie Roa and barangay officials as saying that the rebels used their captives as human shields. As a military helicopter provided air support to ground troops, the rebels abandoned their captives in the jungle. More than 200 residents fled their homes to avoid being caught in the crossfire. The military has intensified its operations against communist rebels ahead of the 49th anniversary of the NPA on March 29.

Source: Philippine Star March 21, 2018 15:57 UTC