4 NPA rebels killed in N. Samar encounter

Four New People's Army (NPA) guerrillas were killed during a fierce encounter with elements of the 19th Infantry Battalion in Las Navas, Northern Samar the other day.

Army chief Lt. Gen. Voltaire Gazmin said members of the 19th IB were on their way to Barangay San Andres when they chanced upon 20 fully armed rebels.

After the 10-minute firefight, four rebels lay dead.

The troops recovered from the scene an M-16 rifle, a Garand rifle, a fragmentation grenade, an Icom radio with complete accessories, a bandoleer with four magazines and ammunition, two combat packs containing personal belongings and assorted medicines, and a knapsack with subversive documents.

No casualties were reported on the government side.

In Davao City, meanwhile, authorities have launched a massive search for three brothers abducted by NPA rebels last Dec. 30.

The Army's 701st Infantry Brigade said Braden Pernia, 21, and his brothers Russel, 18, and Alfred, 26, were snatched from their house in Paquibato District by armed men who identified themselves as NPA rebels led by Commanders Jose and Gerry.

The NPA, the Communist Party's armed wing, is estimated to have between 6,000 and 8,000 fighters from a peak of about 26,000 in early 1987.

Communist leaders, based in Utrecht, Netherlands, have said the guerrillas will be stepping up their attacks this year.