MANILA, Philippines — Three policemen were wounded in an encounter with suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Talakag town, Bukidnon Wednesday afternoon.

They were identified as Senior Insp. Alwin Baclao, PO1 John Bodiongan and PO1 Marlon Mendoza.

Chief Supt. Catalino Rodriguez, director of Police Regional Office 10, said around 40 NPA rebels were involved in the clash past 4 p.m. in Sitio Liburon, Barangay Saguiaran.

The policemen reportedly went there after receiving a tip that several armed men were present in the area.

Recovered from the site were three high-powered rifles and one sniper rifle.

Also found in the area were two bodies of suspected NPA fighters.

The police force in Northern Mindanao has been placed on full alert following the incident. — Report from Lorenzo Luzon, ABS-CBN News Cagayan de Oro