2 militiamen hurt in Albay clash

LEGAZPI CITY – Two members of the Army’s militia unit were wounded on Saturday in an encounter with suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Guinobatan town in Albay province, a police report said.

Wounded were Roberto Tripulca and Ivan Napay, members of the Army’s Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Units (Cafgu) under the 22nd Infantry Battalion, according to Chief Inspector Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Bicol police spokesperson.

The victims were among the squad of Army soldiers on patrol when they chanced upon a five-man NPA group at Purok 3, in Barangay Doña Mercedez around 7 a.m.

A brief firefight ensued after which the two Cafgu members were wounded, the report said.

An undetermined number of rebels were also wounded, according to the report.

The NPA rebels retreated towards the mountainous area of the village, Calubaquib said.

Government troops were dispatched on Saturday to pursue the rebels. MAR S. ARGUELLES