2 ‘rebels’ killed in Samar clash

CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines — Two alleged New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas were killed in an encounter in San Jose de Buan, Samar yesterday.

The military identified the fatalities as Rodrigo Lorezo, alias Akag, 60, and Delia Rotalano, alias Mema, 58.

Reports said Lorezo and Rotalano were ranking officials of the rebel group.

Troopers of the Army’s 87th Infantry Battalion were responding to reports about the presence of armed men in Barangay Hilumot when they encountered the rebels, according to Lt. Col. Luzelito Betinol, commander of the 87th IB.

The firefight lasted 10 minutes with the rebels retreating, leaving behind their slain comrades, firearms, ammunition and a bag reportedly containing subversive documents.

Pursuing soldiers found traces of blood along the rebels’ escape route.

No one among the troopers was wounded or killed in the firefight.