4 rebels slain in Mindoro encounter

MANILA, Philippines — Four New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas were killed in an encounter with government security forces in Rizal, Occidental Mindoro yesterday morning.

The fatalities included a woman, according to Capt. Jayrald Ternio, public affairs officer of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division (ID).

Soldiers recovered eight firearms and revolutionary documents at the scene of the encounter in Barangay Aguas.

The firefight involving at least 20 guerrillas erupted after residents alerted the military about the presence of armed men in their village, Ternio said.

The encounter lasted 30 minutes.

No one among the troopers was killed or wounded in the firefight, according to Col. Jose Augusto Villareal, chief of the Army’s 203rd Brigade.

Maj. Gen. Greg Almerol, chief of the 2nd ID, commended the troopers and the residents for supporting the government’s anti-insurgency campaign and efforts to maintain peace and order in the province.