2 policemen dead in clash with NPA in CamSur town

LEGAZPI CITY — Two policemen were killed in an encounter with suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in a remote village in Bato town, Camarines Sur early Sunday morning.

Major Maria Luisa Calubaquib, spokesperson of the Bicol police, said two platoons of policemen were on an intelligence operation when they engaged an 18-man NPA group in Barangay (village) Payak at around 5 a.m.

She said the 20-minute firefight resulted in the death of Police Master Sergeant Sotero Javier and Patrolman Prince Lagdameo, both members of the 2nd Camarines Sur Provincial Mobile Force. /je