4 firearms, explosive devices recovered in Masbate clash

NAGA CITY, Philippines—Government troops recovered four firearms and several explosive devices after they clashed briefly with suspected communist rebels in Placer town, Masbate Friday morning.

Major Angelo Guzman, spokesperson of the 9th Infantry Division based in Camp Elias Angeles in Pili, Camarines Sur, said the 15-minute clash occurred at 5:20 a.m. in Sitio Tawad, Barangay Manlut-od, located 63 kilometers away from Masbate City.

Guzman said soldiers seized an M16 rifle, an M653 rifle, a .38 cal. pistol and an M203 grenade launcher.

A grenade, three blasting caps and ammunitions were part of the cache recovered, he added.

Guzman said 18 soldiers led by First Lieutenant Ronnie Garchitorena were conducting combat operations when they encountered around 10 New People’s Army rebels who engaged them in a gunfight.

Lieutenant Colonel Julian Pacatan has dispatched two platoons to assist in the ongoing pursuit to find the rebels.