MANILA, Philippines — Two New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed while a militiaman was wounded in an encounter in Quezon over the weekend.
The militiaman remained confined in a hospital, Capt. Patrick Jay Retumban, spokesman for the 2nd Infantry Division, said yesterday.
Retumban said personnel of the 59th Infantry Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit Battalion were conducting combat patrol after receiving reports that NPA rebels planned to attack a detachment in Barangay San Andres in Lopez town when the clash occurred.
An M16 rifle, an AK-47, an ICOM radio, two grenades and three backpacks were recovered at the scene.
The rebels were reportedly led by Joseph delos Santos, alias Bingot, of the NPA’s Platoon 2.
In Misamis Oriental, Capt. Normal Tagros, 403rd Infantry Brigade spokesman, said two rebels were killed in encounters with government troopers in Barangay Minalwang, Claveria on Thursday and Friday.
The military said pursuit operations for the rebels are ongoing. – With Ed Amoroso, Gerry Lee Gorit