Communist rebel killed in Catanduanes clash

MANILA, Philippines—A communist rebel was killed while another was arrested after a clash with soldiers in Catanduanes Friday, a military spokesman said.

Major Harold Cabunoc said troops from the Philippine Army’s 83rd Infantry Battalion led by Lieutenant Colonel Rodolfo Batang encountered an undetermined number of guerrillas in Barangay Sioron, Gigmoto town at around 9:30 a.m.

“We acted on the report by concerned residents that heavily armed rebels were extorting money in the area,” said Batang.

The rebels fled after the clash that lasted five minutes, added Cabunoc.

The soldiers were able to confiscate an M16 rifle and uzi sub machine gun from the rebels.

No one was hurt among the troops, he said.