Two alleged NPA rebels died during Leyte clash

Leyte map. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Two alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in an encounter with government troops in Leyte on Saturday.

The clash happened in Barangay Tinag-an, Albuera, Leyte, around 7 a.m. between the rebels and the 93rd Infantry Battalion and 8th Infantry Division, the Philippine Army said.

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They have also recovered two caliber M16 rifles and one caliber.45 pistol during the encounter.

“Ang Phil Army ay nakikiramay sa pamilya ng mga nasawing miyembro ng CPP-NPA [Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA] na nabiktima ng maling paniniwala,” it said in a statement.

(The Philippine Army sympathizes with the families of the fallen members of the CPP-NPA [Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA] who were victims of false convictions.)

“We are calling for the remaining members of the CPP-NPA to surrender and live a peaceful life with their family. The government thru the NTF-ELCAC [National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict] will ensure their transition and integration back to the communities,” the army added.