Rebel killed, 4 soldiers hurt in Albay clash

Government forces on Tuesday morning clashed with suspected communist rebels in Albay,  leaving one rebel dead and four soldiers wounded, the military said.

Col. Generoso Bolina, Southern Luzon Command spokesperson, said the clash between government security forces, composed of soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Battalion and Philippine National Police's 5th Regional Mobile Group, and a group of New People's Army rebels happened Brgy. Tobgon in Oas, Albay around 9 a.m.

Bolina said the four government troops were wounded by a landmine.

Authorities seized a cal.45 pistol and a hand grenade was also recovered in the encounter site.

Lt. Col. Andrew Costelo, Commanding Officer of the 2IB identified the killed rebel as Dalmacio Delapunta. The rebel's body is still at the encounter site awaiting for the scene of the crime operatives.

Wounded during the encounter were 1st Lt Aranas, Pfc Reonal, Pfc Lopera, and Pfc Landagan. The soldiers, who all sustained  shrapnel wounds,  are now in stable condition at a hospital in Legaspi City.

Brig. Gen. Ricardo Visaya, Commander of the 901B slammed  the NPA's use of landmine being prohibited under comprehensive agreement on human rights and international humanitarian law.

He said he sent out troops to verify reports about an armed group extorting money from residents in the area. - Dennis Carcamo