Soldier wounded in Batangas clash with Reds

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — A soldier was wounded in an encounter with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Lobo, Batangas on Monday.

Pvt. Artemio Avila Jr. was taken to a hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound.

The military said soldiers from the 59th Infantry Battalion were deployed in Barangay Bignay after receiving reports on the presence of NPA rebels when they were fired at.

The rebels, led by a certain Arya, retreated as more government troopers were deployed in the area.

Authorities said an undetermined number of rebels were believed wounded, citing bloodstains along their escape route.