Army, NPA clash in Masbate town

LEGAZPI CITY – Army soldiers and suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) had an encounter in San Jacinto town in Masbate province early morning Wednesday.

Capt. Joash Pramis, spokesperson of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division, said government soldiers were on combat operation when they chanced upon NPA rebels in Barangay Bagacay around 6:30 a.m.

After the two-minute firefight, the rebels retreated, leaving behind an M635 assault rifle, assorted ammunition, improvised explosive device and a backpack.

Pramis said no casualties were reported on the government side. MAR S. ARGUELLES