NAGA CITY, Philippines—A suspected member of the New People’s Army was killed in a firefight between four rebels and a soldier of the Philippine Army in Masbate on Wednesday, a police official said.
Chief Insp. Romeo Lupango Jr., head of the community relations office of the Masbate Police Office, said Thursday that the gunbattle occurred in Barangay Dapilan, San Fernando town on Ticao Island at around 2:30 p.m.
Pfc. Dave Alcantara was riding his service Multicab when he encountered four armed men, believed to be NPA rebels, in the area.
Alcantara was unscathed in the ensuing battle but a rebel was killed.
Alcantara recovered a Galil assault rifle from the slain rebel.
Lupango said the still unidentified body was brought to the San Jacinto District Hospital in San Fernando town.