Militiaman killed, three rebels caught in Samar clash

MANILA, Philippines- A militiaman was killed while three communist insurgents were caught in an encounter in Samar Monday morning.

The encounter occurred at 7:35 in the morning against an estimated 50 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the vicinity of Barangay (village) Ginbaga, Calbiga, Samar, Lieutenant Colonel Cirilo Balaoro Jr., battalion commander of the 87th infantry division of the Philippine Army, said.

One Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) militiaman was killed after sustaining a fatal gunshot wound to the lower abdomen. He was rushed to the local military hospital but did not survive.

The encounter lasted 15 to 20 minutes, after which four fragmentation grenades, one .45 caliber pistol and one 9 millimeter pistol were recovered at the site along with bomb materials and subversive documents.

A civilian was said to have tipped off the local military detachment as to the location of the rebels.

The 87th infantry division, along with two helicopters, were conducting pursuit operations against the remaining rebels.