2 rebels killed in Catanduanes clash

LEGAZPI CITY — Two suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in a Sunday morning armed encounter with government troops in a hinterland village of Panganiban town in Catanduanes province, an Army report said.

Lt. William Hiponia, company commander of Philippine Army’s 83rd Infantry Battalion, said combined elements of soldiers and policemen were on combat operation at around 1 a.m. when they encountered a 7-man NPA group in Barangay (village) Taopon.

A 10-minute firefight ensued that led to the death of two still unidentified rebels.

The fleeing rebels left behind their dead companions and an AR15  assault rifle.

As of press time, Army and police troopers are still tracking down the rebels that fled towards the mountainous area of the said town. /je