Suspected rebel slain, 2 nabbed in Albay clash

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LIGAO CITY — A suspected member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed and two of his comrades were apprehended in an encounter Thursday with state forces in Camalig town in Albay province.

The joint operation between the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army at Sitio (sub-village) Tingting in Barangay Magogogon led to a firefight at around 2:45 a.m. with the rebels, the Bicol police reported.

“The clash ensued after authorities received intelligence regarding a group of approximately 15 armed individuals in the area. Regional Mobile Force Battalion personnel led by Police Major Reynante Arambuyong were dispatched, resulting in an exchange of fire and the neutralization of one rebel,” Police Brigadier General Andre Dizon, Bicol police chief, said in a phone interview on Thursday.

READ: 2 suspected NPA rebels killed in Albay clash

The identity of the deceased rebel was yet to be determined as investigation continues.

Suspected rebels, identified as Domingo Millena, alias “Ka Yeng,” and Marcy Padilla, aka Marsi/Masi were arrested at the clash site. Millena had an outstanding warrant for a murder charge and Padilla is implicated in cases of destructive arson and attempted murder.

Police Colonel Julius Añonuevo, Albay police chief, disclosed in a separate phone interview, that the apprehension of the two suspects led to the recovery of several high-powered firearms and ammunition.

“The successful operation, resulting in the death of one rebel and the capture of two others, will undoubtedly contribute to a more peaceful environment,” Añonuevo added.