Army-NPA clash in Masbate town reported

By Mar S. Arguelles LEGAZPI CITY --- Army soldiers were able to recover on Wednesday, June 13, an M635 assault rifle, assorted ammunition, Improvised Explosive Device (IED), and a wet-cell battery after soldiers engaged in a gun battle a group of suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Bagacay, a hinterland village in San Jacinto town in Masbate, the Philippine Army (PA) 9thInfantry Division (ID) said yesterday. Army Capt. Joash Pramis, 9th ID spokesperson, in a text message said a team of Army soldiers were on combat operation at about 6:30 a.m. Wednesday when they chanced upon a group of NPA rebels. Pramis said the encounter led to a 2-minute firefight after which the NPA guerrillas withdrew, leaving behind a baby armalite rifle, ammunition, IEDs, and a backpack. Pramis said no casualties were reported on the government troops. There was no report of casualties, too, on the enemy side.