NPA rebel slain in Negros clash

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed in an encounter with soldiers of the 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Carol-an in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental yesterday.

First Lt. Maria Allein Veluz, 62nd IB civil-military operations officer, said the body of the rebel was recovered after a firefight that lasted for around 20 minutes.

Veluz said soldiers also recovered an M16 rifle, an improvised explosive device, improvised bandoleers, two rifle grenades, various types of ammunition and backpacks, which contained personal belongings and subversive documents, at the scene.

Pursuit operations for the rebels are ongoing.