4 NPA rebels held; explosives seized

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Four suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were arrested in Manjuyod, Negros Oriental on Friday.

Troopers of the 11th Infantry Battalion Alpha Company led by Cpl. Benjamin Descotido spotted the rebels in Sitio Maraja, Barangay Lamogong.

Authorities said the NPA guerrillas identified as Rea, Teodor and Danny, all surnamed Casido, and Venancio Cadeliña yielded two hand grenades, two rifle grenades, various types of ammunition, a binocular, a cellular phone charger, batteries and subversive documents.

The arrest came amid pursuit operations for around 20 NPA rebels whom the soldiers encountered in Barangay Bantulinao on Sunday.

Five landmines and two rifle grenades among other war materiel were among those recovered at the scene. A rebel was killed in the clash.