2 NPA rebels, soldier slain in Albay clash

LEGAZPI, Philippines — Two New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and a soldier were killed in an encounter in Barangay Joroan, Tiwi, Albay yesterday.

The bodies of the slain rebels were brought to the Tiwi police station for identification.

The identity of the soldier was witheld pending notification of his family.

Four M16 rifles, two grenade launchers, two improvised landmines, a hand-held radio, two cell phones as well as 13 backpacks containing personal belongings and propaganda materials were recovered from the rebels. 

Pursuit operations for the communists who fled to Buhi and Sangay towns in Camarines Sur are ongoing.

“Our troops will be there whenever rebels are spotted…Rebels have no place to go except to lay down their arms because villagers can easily tip authorities on their presence,” Col. Alden Masagca, 901st Infantry Brigade commanding officer, said.

Truck burned

In Sarangani, gunmen who introduced themselves as NPA guerrillas burned a 10-wheeler truck containing around P2 million worth of merchandise in Malapatan town on Monday.

The truck is owned by KCC Malls which has several branches in various areas in central Mindanao.

The rebels ordered the driver and passengers of the truck to disembark, poured gasoline on the vehicle and set it on fire in Barangay Tuyan.

Chief Inspector Aldrin Gonzales, Soccsksargen police spokesman, said the rebels could be asking for so-called protection money from the management of the company. 

NPA guerrillas have burned more than a dozen buses in the region since last year. – With John Unson