2 soldiers killed in Camarines Norte clash with Reds

MANILA, Philippines — Two soldiers were killed while three others were wounded in an encounter with New People’s Army rebels in Labo, Camarines Norte on Sunday.

The military withheld the identities of the fatalities pending notification of their respective families.

Capt. Joash Pramis, 9th Infantry Division spokesman, said soldiers of the 96th Infantry Battalion were conducting combat patrol in Barangay Dumagmang when they were fired at by around 60 rebels.

Pramis said the communist guerrillas also suffered heavy losses, citing bloodstains on the escape route.