Soldier, militiaman killed in Camarines Norte attack

MANILA, Philippines — A soldier and a militia man were killed after communist rebels attacked a government project in Labo, Camarines Norte Saturday night, the military said.

Armed Forces Southern Luzon Command spokesman Maj. Angelo Guzman said soldiers from the 49th Infantry Battalion and paramilitary troops were securing a bridge in Barangay Daguit when they were fired upon by insurgents at around 11 p.m.

An hour-long sporadic firefight ensued, resulting in the death of Pvt. Reymark Regore and militia man Anthony Aceron. Another soldier, Pfc. Jhelor Caranzo, was wounded during the encounter.

Government troops also lost two M14 and an M16 rifle during the gun battle.

"The attacked happened after the contractor did not comply with the extortion demands of the NPA (New People's Army)," Guzman said.

Despite the loss of personnel and high-powered firearms, Armed Forces Southern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Ricardo Visaya said his troops have managed to thwart an attempt by the rebels to sabotage a government project.

"We foiled the NPA's plan of destroying the project and the construction equipment; we secured the bridge project that will benefit the people,” Visaya said in a statement.

Lt. Col. Medel Aguilar, chief of the Army's 49th battalion, said the encounter caused the temporary closure of the highway because of the road blocks and explosives planted by the NPA rebels. Soldiers were able to clear the highway and diffuse the unexploded explosives by 6 a.m. on Sunday.

"The Southern Luzon Command denounces the attack of the NPA on government construction of road, bridge and other flagship projects. These attacks deny communities in far flung areas to market their produce and access to development," Guzman said.