MANILA, Philippines - Two soldiers were killed in a 15-minute clash with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur last Saturday.
The clash took place four days after the NPA raided the Shenna Lyne Corp. agro-industrial firm in the same town, killed five workers and burned heavy equipment.
Yesterday in Camarines Norte, troops seized a firearm and two radios after a clash with NPA rebels in Barangay Sta. Rosa Sur in Jose Panganiban town at about 6:20 a.m.
Army spokesman Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang said the soldiers were able to recover an M16 rifle and two radios from the scene.
“The firefight did not last long because the NPA members ran away,†he said.
“The government troops did not fire back immediately because of the presence of innocent civilians who might be caught in the crossfire.â€
Civilian reports about the presence of rebels prompted the 49th Infantry Battalion to send troops to the area, he added.
The Bicol region has a huge concentration of NPA rebels.