2 soldiers killed in Albay clash with NPA rebels

New People’s Army. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Two soldiers were killed by suspected communist rebels in Albay on Monday morning.

The two soldiers were on their way to an evacuation center in Anislag village town in the town of Araga when they were shot by the rebels at 7:40a.m., said Southern Luzon Command spokesman Major Angelo Guzman.

A team of soldiers were deployed for reinforcements and a firefight with about five members of the New People’s Army lasted for five minutes before they dispersed.

“Colonel Raul Farnacio, Commander of the 901st Bde in Albay directed the deployment of other units to track down the perpetrators,” Guzman said.

“It is so unfortunate to note that soldiers rendering support to Humanitarian Assistance are being targeted by the NPA. Despite the attack, SOLCOM will not abandon our humanitarian assistance in Albay,” he said.