Cop hurt in rebel clash

MANILA, Philippines - A police officer was wounded in an encounter with suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas Sunday morning in Claveria, Masbate.

Reports said several soldiers and police officers were patrolling the boundary of Barangays Poblacion District 1 and Canomay when a group of rebels shot at them at around 6:30 a.m., said Maj. Angelo Guzman, spokesperson for the Armed Forces-Southern Luzon Command.

The police officer suffered a bullet wound in the buttocks during the 10-minute firefight. He was taken to the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital in Albay for treatment.

Col. Cesar Idio, chief of the Army’s 903rd Infantry Brigade, said he ordered his troops to pursue the rebels.

Idio said his unit would continue working with the local police to prevent conflicts in Masbate and Sorsogon. The two provinces, located in the Bicol Region, are known NPA strongholds, he said.