Gov’t forces kill 3 rebels involved in Masbate blast

By Cet Dematera

THREE members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed on Tuesday, June 8, in Barangay Anas, Masbate City during hot pursuit operations launched by government troopers after a former football player of Far Eastern University (FEU) and his cousin died when bomb planted by rebels exploded accidentally on June 6.

MGen. Antonio Parlade, Army’s Southern Luzon (Solcom) commander, said those killed belonged to about 30 rebels led by a certain Arnold Rosero, alias Star, who exchanged gunfire that lasted around 15 minutes with the joint elements of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division Scout Platoon and Masbate police.

Parlade said bodies of the slain rebels were abandoned by their comrades that scampered in different directions during the encounter.

He said government troopers also recovered three M-16 rifles and an M-14 rifle.

The Bicolano general believed that the slain rebels were among those who planted an improvised bomb that accidentally went off and killed former FEU football player Keith Absalon, 21, and his cousin Nolven Absalon,40, while on biking trip in Purok 4, Barangay Anas, Masbate City on June 6.

Also injured was Nolven’s son, Chrisbin Daniel,16, who was rushed and declared out of danger in a Masbate hospital.

Masbate island is a rebel hotbed province in Bicol.

Photo by DPAO 9ID