2 rebels slain in Sorsogon clash

MANILA, Philippines - Two suspected leaders of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in an encounter with government security forces who foiled their plot to ambush a convoy bringing relief assistance to Samar province, in Matnog, Sorsogon, yesterday morning.

The fatalities were identified as Ka Abel, an NPA commander based in Sorsogon, and Ka Win, the alleged leader of the NPA’s Sentro de Gravidad based in Bicol region, said Col. Joselito Kakilala, commander of the Army’s 902nd Infantry Brigade.

 Kakilala said the troops arrested a 19-year-old rebel who was wounded in the encounter that took place at about 5:25 a.m. in the village of Balocawe.

The military recovered three M16 rifles, a Baby Armalite, an M14 rifle, a .45 caliber pistol and several improvised explosive devices during the clearing operation.

The town of Matnog serves as the key point for delivering relief assistance to typhoon victims in Samar and Leyte. – With Francis Elevado