3 killed in Capiz AFP-NPA clash

ILOILO CITY – Three suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in an encounter with government troops in Capiz on Tuesday.

Initial reports showed soldiers belonging to the 61st Infantry Battalion clashed with around 30 members of the NPA’s Eastern Front Committee – Komiteng Rehiyon Panay in Sitio Tigpaka Gamay, Barangay Puti-an, Cuartero.

Two rifles and  five backpacks were recovered from the rebels, Brig. Gen. Pio Diñoso, 301st Infantry Brigade commanding officer, said.

Diñoso said they have yet to determine if the leader of the group, Romulo Gangoso, alias Regan, was among those killed.

He said they received reports that NPA rebels are recruiting new  members and extorting money from residents and businessmen in the province.