NPA rebel killed in Masbate clash

MANILA, Philippines—A communist rebel was killed in an encounter with government troops Wednesday in Palanas, Masbate, the military said.

Army spokesman Major Harold Cabunoc said that soldiers from the Army’s 9th Infantry Battalion encountered 12 rebels in Intusan village in an 18-minute firefight at about

6 a.m.

Quoting reports from Lieutenant Colonel Jun Pacatan, commanding officer of the 9th Infantry Battalion, local villagers reported the presence of New People’s Army rebels extorting in the area. This prompted him to send his troops.

Recovered from the rebels were M16 and M14 rifles, two landmines and other war materials.

No soldier was hurt from the encounter, he said.

Pursuit operations were conducted against the rebels. With a report from Juan Escandor Jr., Inquirer Southern Luzon