Grandma, 2 kids killed in Masbate clash

LEGAZPI CITY—Three residents, two of them children, were killed in a crossfire during a clash between government soldiers and communist rebels in Cawayan town, Masbate province, on Thursday, reports reaching the regional police here said. Senior Insp. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, spokesperson of the Bicol police, said a platoon of Army Scout Rangers was on combat operation when the soldiers clashed with seven suspected New People’s Army rebels in Sitio Lubigan, Barangay Pananawan at 5:30 a.m. Calubaquib said residents Lolita Pepito, 70, and her grandchildren Crislyn, 11, and Reden, 9, died in the crossfire. Their relative, Paulino Pepito, 70, a widower, was wounded, said Calubaquib.—MAR S. ARGUELLES AND MICHAEL B. JAUCIAN