2 suspected NPA rebels killed in Sorsogon clash

LEGAZPI CITY — Two suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in a clash on Thursday night with Army troopers in a remote village in Bulan town in Sorsogon province, a police report said Friday.

Chief Inspector Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Bicol police spokesperson, said elements of the 31st Infantry Battalion were on a combat operation when they encountered the 15-member NPA group in the area of Barangays (villages) R. Gerona and Rector at around 6 p.m.

The clash lasted for several minutes and led to the death of two unidentified rebels and the recovery of an M16 rifle and an M14 rifle.

Army troopers are still scouring the areas while police units have set-up checkpoints in areas where the rebels could possibly escape.  /muf