4 rebels killed, 5 high-powered weapons seized in Masbate clash

Philippine Army soldiers (Photo from the Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas’ official Facebook page)

MANILA—Four members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed and five high-powered firearms seized following an encounter with troopers from the 2nd Infantry Battalion in Aroroy town, Masbate early Monday morning.

The clash took place 6:20 a.m. at Barangay Pangle, of the above-mentioned locality, said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo.

Troops were on patrol when they spotted an estimated 20 NPA fighters, triggering a 20-minute gun-battle which resulted in the death of four rebels and recovery of two M-16 automatic rifles, two M-14s and an M-203 grenade launcher, and assorted documents.

No losses were sustained from government forces, the AFP official said.

Pursuit operations are still ongoing as of this posting.