8 NPA rebels, 1 soldier killed in Abra clash

MANILA, Philippines — Eight suspected members of the New People’s Army and one soldier were killed in a clash with government troops in Abra Monday, Army chief Lieutenant General Arturo Ortiz said.

The troops were patrolling the vicinity of Barangay (village) Caganayan, Tineg town when they encountered about 20 rebels shortly before 8 a.m., he said.

Two of the rebels killed in the clash were women, Ortiz added.

The troops were able to recover eight high-powered firearms from the site, he said.