CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camsur – Four suspected members of the New Peoples' Army (NPA) were killed after an armed clash with government troops in Masbate province, early morning on Friday, December 17.
9th Infantry Batallion (9ID) spokesperson Army Captain John Paul Belleza said at least 20 rebels clashed with troops of the 2nd Infantry Brigade (2IB) at the boundary of Brgy. Baras in Esperanza town and Brgy. Manlut-od in Placer town, Masbate province around 5:50 a.m. on Friday.
"Upon tip-off of concerned citizen, troops from 2IB supported by PNP promptly responded thus skirmish ensued," he said.
There was no reported casualty on the government side while identities of the killed rebels will be soon released to the public.
Recovered from the encounter site were high powered firearms, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), hand grenade, anti-personnel mines and propaganda materials.
Pursuit operations still ongoing as of press time.