Suspected rebel slain in Masbate clash

LEGAZPI CITY — A suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebel died in an armed encounter with Army soldiers on Monday afternoon in a remote village in Aroroy town in Masbate province, a military report said Tuesday.

Captain John Paul Belleza, Philippine Army’s 9th Infantry Division public affairs chief, has identified the slain rebel as Roberto Emaas, alias “Obet,” a member of a communist guerilla front operating in Masbate.

Belleza said the soldiers were conducting internal security operation at around 5:30 p.m. in Barangay (village) Balete when they encountered a group of NPA rebels.

A 15-minute firefight ensued that led to the death of a rebel.

Lieutenant Colonel Siegfried Felipe Awichen of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Battalion said the rebel was trying to flee together with his wounded comrades but was left behind and eventually died.

Recovered from the scene was two anti-personnel land mines and a bandolier with two steel magazines loaded with bullets.