2 Soldiers Killed In Clash With Sorsogon Rebs

LEGAZPI CITY – Two Army troopers were killed while two others were wounded during a fierce firefight with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Gubat, Sorsogon Wednesday afternoon.

Lt. Col. Benigno Antonio, commanding officer of the 2nd Infantry Battalion based in Juban, Sorsogon, said a group of Charlie Company men was on combat patrol when they encountered some 40 rebels at the boundary of Barangays Villareal and Bulacao.

Antonio said the one-hour gunbattle left Pfcs. Joyce Gutierrez and Mariano Duran dead and Pfcs. Rommel Cervantes and Rey Casio wounded.

"We are still conducting hot pursuit operation against the rebels," said Benigno, adding that a number of guerrillas were also killed in the clash. – Celso Amo