NPA rebel slain in Sorsogon clash

CAMARINES NORTE, Philippines – A New People’s Army rebel was killed in an encounter with government troops in Matnog, Sorsogon on Thursday.  

Members of the 31st Infantry Battalion were patrolling Barangay Tugas when they encountered the rebels at around 9 a.m.

 Col. Fernando Trinidad, commander of the 903rd Infantry Brigade, said a machine gun and a landmine were recovered after a firefight that lasted for 20 minutes.

Another clash occurred at around 1 p.m. when the soldiers launched pursuit operations for the rebels.

There was no reported casualty on the government side.