2 NPA rebels killed in Catanduanes encounter

MANILA, Philippines – Two communist rebels were killed in an encounter with government soldiers in Catanduanes province early Wednesday, a local military spokesperson said. Captain Leah Santiago, spokesperson for the military Southern Luzon command, said the encounter occurred around 5 a.m. in Brgy. San Marcos, San Miguel town in Catanduanes province. Bodies of the rebel fatalities were recovered after the encounter which lasted for 45 minutes, Santiago said. No one was hurt from the military side, Santiago noted. The two slain rebels were part of the group of about 20 insurgents who clashed with the Army’s 92nd division Reconnaissance company of the 9th Infantry Division. Recovered from the scene were two high-powered firearms and subversive documents, Santiago added. The military has been aiming to defeat the insurgents on or before President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s term ends in 2010. Latest military estimates placed the rebel strength at more than 5,000. - Sophia Dedace, GMANews.TV