2 alleged rebel supporters nabbed, firearms recovered in Masbate

LEGAZPI CITY –– Two alleged members of the Militia ng Bayan (People’s Militia) belonging to the New People’s Army (NPA) were captured, while high-powered firearms were recovered in an encounter in Aroroy town in Masbate province on Friday.

Captain John Paul Belleza, Philippine Army’s 9th Infantry Division public affairs chief, said the 2nd Infantry Battalion of the Joint Task Force Bicolandia were helping distribute relief goods in Barangay Cabas-an around 5:30 p.m. when about 15 NPA rebels fired at them. The firefight lasted for about five minutes.

Recovered were a caliber .45 pistol, two homemade shotguns, a carbine rifle, an improvised explosive device, and assorted ammunition.

No injuries were reported on the government side.

LZB