4 NPA rebels killed in Masbate clash

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna , Philippines — Four New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in an encounter with government troopers in Barangay Naocondiot in Placer, Masbate on Friday.

Reports reaching this office showed that six rifles – two M16, two M653, an R4 and an M16 Garand – as well as two rifle grenades, anti-personnel mines, 10 Molotov bombs, a hand grenade, three two-way radios, five cell phones and assorted ammunition were among those recovered from the fatalities.

The military said the clash occurred when state troopers responded to reports of armed men roaming in the area.

The incident followed attacks by communist insurgents on government forces conducting disaster response operations in Surigao de Sur and Samar, leaving several civilians wounded.

Meanwhile, three NPA rebels were arrested following an encounter in Sergio Osmeña Sr., Zamboanga del Norte on Friday.

Lt. Col. Nolasco Coderos, 97th Infantry Battalion commander, said two of those arrested, NPA platoon medic Antonia Morato and Villamor Galleon of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee, were wounded. – Roel Pareño