NPA rebel dead in Masbate clash

LEGAZPI CITY , Philippines  – A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed in an encounter with government troops in Esperanza, Masbate yesterday morning, the Army said.

Maj. Angelo Guzman, spokesman of the 9th Infantry Division, said 14 men of the 9th Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Col. Jun Pacatan were on combat operation when they encountered eight fully armed insurgents in Barangay Romanza Domorog, Esperanza town.

Guzman said the rebels fired at soldiers, triggering a 10-minute exchange of gunfire.