3 NPA rebels killed in Mindoro clash

MANILA, Philippines — Three suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in an encounter with government troopers in Oriental Mindoro on Thursday.

Capt. Patrick Jay Retumban, public affairs office chief of the 2nd Infantry Division, said personnel of the 4th Infantry Battalion, 76th IB, 203rd Infantry Brigade and Mindoro police clashed with the rebels in Sitio Mawan, Barangay Panaytayan at around 1:30 p.m.

Brig. Gen. Marceliano Teofilo, 203rd IB commander, said government forces were deployed in the area after they received reports that communist rebels would conduct training for their new recruits, including minors.  

Teofilo said three M16 rifles, an AK-47, a caliber .45 pistol, a grenade launcher tube, two improvised explosive devices, cellular phones and various types of ammunition were among those recovered at the scene. 

Lt. Col. Alexander Arbolado, 4th IB commander, said a  soldier who was wounded in the clash, is now in stable condition.