4 alleged NPA rebels nabbed in clash with soldiers in Masbate

LEGAZPI CITY — Four alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were captured during an encounter with soldiers conducting security operations for the May 14 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections in San Fernando town in Masbate province Saturday morning.

Col. Ferozaldo Paul Regencia, spokesperson of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division, said two of the captured rebels were also wounded in the clash that took place around 8:30 a.m. in Barangay (village) Talisay.

The soldiers encountered six armed men in the village, Regencia added.

Arrested were Joseph Asuela, a resident of Barangay Progreso; Ricky Fernandez of Barangay Sowa; Tirso Cantre of Barangay Progreso and Abel Altarejos, of Barangay Buenavista.

Cantre and Altarejos were both wounded.

The wounded rebels were taken to Masbate Provincial Hospital while the other two captured NPA members were in the custody of the San Fernando police.

A caliber .45 pistol, three caliber .38 guns, cash worth P85,220, five cellphones, antigovernment documents, and bullets were recovered in the area after the clash. REY ANTHONY OSTRIA AND SUZENE CAJEGAS