2 NPA rebels killed in Catanduanes

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NAGA CITY, Philippines—Two communist guerrillas were killed in a clash with government troops on the outskirts of Virac, Catanduanes, on Saturday morning, an Army official said.

Major Angelo Guzman, public information officer of the 8th Infantry Division based in Camp Elias Angeles in Pili, Camarines Sur, said in a text message to the Inquirer that the clash occurred around 9:50 a.m.  in Virac’s Barangay Calatagan

He said a squad of nine soldiers from the Philippine Army’s 83rd Infantry Battalion based in Catanduanes was on a “tactical offensive” when they encountered 15 communist rebels.

The bodies of the two rebels were recovered after the exchange of gunfire and have remained unidentified, said Guzman.

Also recovered from the clash scene were four high-powered firearms.

No soldier was hurt in the firefight, Guzman said.

He said the encounter was a result of a “clearing operation” against the NPA in Catanduanes in time for the Christmas season.