Soldier killed in clash with rebels in Albay

LEGAZPI CITY – An Army soldier was killed by suspected members of New People’s Army (NPA) in an encounter in Ligao City in Albay province on Wednesday morning, police said.

Pfc. Ryan Belga, a 23-year-old resident of Polangui town, also in Albay, was slain in the firefight in Barangay Balanac, a remote village in Ligao City at around 10:10 a.m., Chief Insp. Arthur Gomez, spokesperson of Albay Police Provincial Office, said.

He said Belga and his fellow soldiers were on patrol when they engaged the rebels.

The firefight lasted for about 20 minutes. –Mar S. Arguelles /atm