Alleged NPA killed in Camarines Norte clash-–military

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LUCENA CITY–-An alleged New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed in an encounter with Army soldiers in Capalonga town in Camarines Norte province on Maundy Thursday, military reported.

The 20-minute firefight between an estimated 15 communist guerillas and soldiers from the Army’s 9th Infantry Battalion happened in Barangay Itok around 11:55 a.m., 1st Lt. Felise Solano, deputy public information officer of the military’s Southern Luzon Command, said in a text message to the Inquirer.

After the exchange of gunfire, the rebel withdrew in different directions leaving behind the body of the still unidentified slain NPA. The soldiers also recovered one M16 rifle.

No casualty on the government side had been reported.

Solano said the soldiers were pursuing the escaping rebels following civilian reports that several wounded armed men were seen fleeing from the encounter site.

The encounter coincides with the NPA’s 49th founding anniversary. /jpv