Soldiers find 2 high-powered guns, bullets in Masbate clash site

LEGAZPI CITY –– Army troops on Tuesday recovered two M16 assault rifles and ammunition left behind by fleeing suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels after an encounter in Milagros town, Masbate province.

Captain John Paul Belleza, public affairs chief of the 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, said the soldiers were on patrol when they clashed with rebels in Sitio (sub-village) Valleyfarm, Barangay Tigbao at 6:05 a.m.

A brief firefight ensued, but the rebels fled.

Belleza said no soldier was hurt.

Soldiers recovered two M16 rifles, two bandoliers with 12 magazines, and personal belongings from the scene.

Belleza said they conducted the operation after villagers reported seeing armed men near their village.

LZB