Army, NPA clash in Quezon; 2 rebel supporters captured

INQUIRER FILES

LUCENA CITY — Army troops captured two individuals allegedly supporting New People’s Army (NPA) rebels following a brief encounter in San Narciso, Quezon, on Thursday, authorities reported.

The Region 4A police said Friday that soldiers from the 85th Infantry Battalion were conducting a routine patrol around noon when they encountered a group of NPA rebels in Barangay Guinhalinan.

After a brief exchange of gunfire, the rebels fled, leaving behind two alleged civilian supporters identified only as “Ronilo” and “Genaro.”

The police report did not detail the suspects’ specific roles during the encounter.

No casualties were reported on the government side, according to authorities.

The troops recovered an improvised explosive device, two mobile phones, NPA documents, and personal belongings at the scene.

Authorities continue to investigate the involvement of the two suspects in rebel activities. INQ