LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – Four New People’s Army rebels were killed in an encounter with government troops in Masbate on Tuesday, according to a report reaching Camp General Simeon Ola here yesterday.
Capt. Joash Pramis, Bicol Army spokesman, identified the fatalities as Luis Gonzaga, alias Jaypee, leader of a rebel group operating in the northern part of the province; Jerome Verano, alias Ruben; Marko Tugbo, alias Frank, and an alias Erwin, said to be another rebel leader.
Six rifles as well as ammunition, an improvised bomb, a hand grenade, bomb materials and backpacks containing personal belongings and subversive documents were recovered from the rebels.
Pramis said government troopers were patrolling Barangay Pangle in Aroroy town when the clash occurred. He said a number of rebels were believed wounded based on bloodstains on the escape route.