Soldiers, rebels clash in Leyte

ORMOC CITY, Philippines — Government troops exchanged gunfire with communist rebels in an upland village in Albuera, Leyte Friday afternoon, days after the termination of their ceasefire.

Colonel Francisco Mendoza Jr. commander of the Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade, based in Camp Jorge Downes in Ormoc City, said a platoon of soldiers engaged in a brief firefight against six armed men believed to be members of the New People’s Army.

The troop, consisting of 20 soldiers, was conducting a combat operation in the area at about 4 p.m. Friday when they encountered the armed rebels, heading towards the hinterland San Pedro village, carrying food supply.

The men allegedly opened fire at the soldiers. As government troops retaliated, the rebels scampered to various directions, leaving their items.

There was no reported casualty from both camps following the exchange of gunfire that lasted five to 10 minutes. The troop scoured the area but did not find any trace of presence of the rebels anymore. — From Elvie Roman Roa (FREEMAN)