Suspected NPA member killed in clash in Samar

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Philippines — An alleged communist rebel was killed in an encounter with Army soldiers in Paranas town, Samar past noon on Monday.

An abandoned campsite of the New People’s Army was also found near the encounter site at Barangay Sto. Nino in Paranas, said Captain Gene Orense, spokesperson of the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City in Samar.

He said members of the 87th Infantry Battalion were at Barangay Sto. Niño, about 20 kilometers from the town proper, to check reports on the presence of armed men in the area.

But the soldiers were fired upon, resulting in a 20-minute gunfight. The rebels retreated, leaving behind their dead comrade.

Orense said they found a .38 revolver, a hammock and some documents.