2 rebels killed in CamSur clash

LEGAZPI CITY , Philippines  – Two New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed while their commander was captured following a clash with government forces in the village of San Vicente Norte in Iriga City, Camarines Sur Tuesday.

Maj. Angelo Guzman, spokesperson for the Army’s 9th Infantry Division, identified the slain rebels through their aliases “Ka Jess” and “Ka Tony.”

Captured was Edgardo Sevilla, said to be the finance officer of the rebel’s executive committee 89 based in Albay.

Guzman said Sevilla, who was also wounded in the encounter, has pending arrest warrants for two counts of murder issued by the Ligao City regional trial court. He was taken to the Bicol Medical Hospital in Naga City for treatment.

He said the soldiers were patrolling the area when they were fired upon by the NPAs at 4:30 p.m.

A five-minute firefight ensued, resulting in the death of the two rebels.

The military recovered in the encounter site a 9mm Beretta pistol, a caliber .45 handgun and a fragmentation grenade.

The bodies of the slain rebels were brought to the Iriga City funeral parlor for identification of their relatives. – Cet Dematera, Alexis Romero, Celso Amo, Francis Elevado