CATBALOGAN, Samar, Philippines — A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed while another was arrested following an encounter with government troopers in Barangay Osmeña in Las Navas, Northern Samar early yesterday.
The fatality was identified as Adel Cabides, alias Hipolito.
Jessie Robinacio, alias Tadok, who was wounded, was arrested and given first aid by soldiers.
The military said members of the 19th Infantry Battalion of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division (ID) were dispatched in the area after receiving reports on the presence of armed men who were extorting from residents.
Capt. Jefferson Mariano, spokesperson for the 8th ID, said the rebels are believed to be members of the NPA’s Visayas Regional Party Committee.
Two M16 rifles and personal belongings of the rebels were recovered at the scene.