By Celso Amo
LEGAZPI CITY , Philippines – Four New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed yesterday morning in an encounter with soldiers in Barangay Pangle in Aroroy, Masbate, the military reported.
Capt. Joas Pramis, public affairs officer of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division, said a platoon led by 1/Lt. April John del Rosario was conducting combat operation at about 6:30 a.m. when they clashed with communist guerrillas.
Pramis said four rebels were killed during the 20-minute firefight and the soldiers recovered two M-16 rifles, two M-14 rifles, an M-203 rifle grenade launcher, an improvised explosive device, two handheld radios, a hand grenade, assorted ammunition and magazines and communist propaganda materials.
Col. Fernando Trinidad, commander of the 903rd Infantry Brigade, said the bodies of the slain rebels were brought to a morgue in Aroroy town proper.
“Our troops are also verifying the complaints of poor farmers in the barangay of extortion by NPA rebels,” said Trinidad.
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