4 NPA rebels killed in Bicol encounters

MANILA, Philippines — Four New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas were killed in encounters with government troopers in Bicol on Monday.

Reports reaching Camp Aguinaldo yesterday showed that soldiers belonging to the 49th Infantry Battalion clashed with NPA rebels at the boundary of Pio Duran in Albay and Barangay Sta. Cruz in Donsol, Sorsogon.

Three NPA rebels, including their leader identified only by his alias of Bong, were killed.

Two M16 rifles, a caliber .45 pistol, subversive documents and personal belongings were recovered at the scene.

Another rebel was killed in the encounter at the vicinity of Barangay San Isidro in Palanas, Masbate at around 5 p.m.

A caliber .357 revolver was among those reportedly recovered from the fatality.

Meanwhile, in Bacolod, a self-confessed NPA platoon leader identified only as Vince and his partner Karrel surrendered to the police yesterday.

City police chief Col. Joseph Thomas Martir said the surrender was facilitated by non-government organization Task Force Kasanag.

Vince claimed he served as leader of Sentro De Grabidad Platoon 2 of the Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros South West Front while his partner is a member of Sandatahang Pamproganda Platoon 1 of the same rebel unit. – Gilbert Bayoran