2 soldiers slain in NPA ambush in Albay

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines  —  Two Army soldiers were killed in an ambush staged by suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Camalig, Albay on Tuesday.

Pfcs. Cris Aron Consolation and Emmanuel Clarinal of the 2nd Infantry Battalion were riding a motorcycle when they were waylaid in Barangay Panoypoy at about 4:45 p.m., Chief Inspector Malou Calubaquib, Bicol police spokesperson, said, citing a report of the Camalig police.

“The soldiers were unarmed and would participate in a basketball game with villagers when they were shot,” Capt. Joas Pramis of the 9th Infantry Division said.

Pramis said a manhunt for the rebels is ongoing.

In Cagayan, two members of the Milisyang Bayan in Rizal town surrendered to the 502nd Infantry Brigade of the Joint Task Force Tala.

An alias Randy, a bomb expert, and a certain Richard, a sniper of the NPA operating in Compostela Valley, surrendered in New Bataan on Monday, Capt. Rodel Bacani, 66th IB spokesman, said.