2 rebels killed in clash

LEGAZPI CITY --- Two alleged New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in a clash with Army soldiers on Monday at a remote village in Mandaon, Masbate, a Philippine Army (PA) report said.

Army Capt. Joash Pramis, public affairs chief of the 9th Infantry Division (9ID), said, “Army soldiers were on patrol at around 1:55 a.m. when they encountered a group of NPA rebels in Barangay Buri, a remote village in Mandaon.”

A five-minute firefight ensued that resulted to the death of two still unidentified communist rebels and the recovery of an M16 rifle, a .45 caliber pistol and a knapsack containing personal belongings. Pramis said, “no casualties were reported from the government troops.”