6 NPA rebels slain in clashes

MANILA, Philippines — Six New People’s Army (NPA) rebels have been killed in encounters with government troopers in Quezon, Laguna, Agusan del Norte and Negros Occidental since Sunday.

Brig. Gen. Cerilo Balaoro Jr., 202nd Infantry Brigade commander, said three members of the Platun 1, Sentro de Gabridad, Komiteng Larangan Guerilla-Narciso were killed in Sitio Angelo, Barangay Umiray in General Nakar, Quezon and Barangay Magsaysay, Siniloan, Laguna.

Another NPA rebel who has yet to be identified was killed in Sitio Badjay, Barangay Caliling in Cauayan, Negros Occidental.

In Agusan del Norte, Maj. Francisco Garello Jr., 4th Infantry Division public affairs office chief, said Samuel Batican and a certain Yawming were killed in Barangay Jaliobong in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte.

The military said guns, ammunition, subversive documents and personal belongings were recovered from the fatalities.  – Ed Amoroso, Gilbert Bayoran, Michelle Zoleta