SECURITY forces on Friday recovered several landmines and improvised explosive devices being used by the New People’s Army shortly after a clash with the guerrillas in Lupon, Davao Oriental.

No casualty was reported during the firefight between members of the Army’s Scout Ranger and about 30 heavily-armed rebels led by one Gerry Gesta alias Commander Kagaw in Sitio Katumbal in Bgy. Maragatas at 3:20 p.m. Friday, said a Police Regional Office 11 report.

PRO 11 director C/Supt. Pedro Tango said the soldiers from the Army’s 701st Brigade led by Capt. Eduardo Causing Jr. were conducting combat patrol in Sitio Katumbal when they encountered the leftist gunmen.

The soldiers recovered two landmines, a blasting cap, a 50-meter wire and three backpacks containing assorted personal belongings left by the fleeing guerrillas.

Soldiers were still pursuing the rebels as of yesterday, he said. Tango added that he has ordered the local police to check hospitals and clinics for the presence of patients with gunshot wounds in the wake of the Friday clash.   Alfred Dalizon