Rebel killed in Quezon clash

A day after termination of the two-day New Year’s unilateral declaration of Suspension of Military Operations (SOMO) government security forces clashed with the New People’s Army rebels in Candelaria, Quezon province killing one of the insurgents.

Army chief, Lt. Gen. Victor Ibrado said a Special Forces team resuming their anti-insurgency combat operations encountered more or less 15 New People’s Army rebels at about 6 a.m. yesterday at the outskirts of Barangay Masalukot.

In the fighting that ensued, Ibrado said one of the insurgents was fatally hit. His body left behind by his fleeing colleagues was retrieved by the troops.

“The name of the insurgent is still being established. Our troops also recovered an M16 rifle from the slain rebel,” Ibrado said.

Brig. Gen. Arthur Ortiz, Special Operations (SOCOM) commander, meanwhile, reported that at high noon yesterday, blocking Special Forces elements intercepted the fleeing rebels in the nearby hinterlands of Dolores town.

The troops recovered another M16 rifle abandoned by a wounded cadre, Ortiz said.

On Friday, Ibrado ordered all Army troops engaged in anti-insurgency operations to shift back to their mission by actively running and pursuing the insurgents.        

The troops have been on an active defense mode from Dec. 24-25 and Dec. 31 to Jan. 1, in line with the government’s four-day holiday unilateral truce against the insurgents. – With Michelle Zoleta