NPA leader, 8 others killed in Nueva Ecija clash with military

Nine suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed while a soldier was wounded in an encounter in Nueva Ecija on Wednesday morning, according to a military official.

Lieutenant Colonel Isagani Nato, Northern Luzon Command spokesperson, said one of those killed was Joel Manangan alias Ka Razul, leader of NPA operating in Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, and Pangasinan.

The clash occurred after members of 84th Infantry Batallion responded to a report from residents of Brgy Burgos, Carranglan town about the presence of armed men in the area, Nato said.

The firefight started around 7:26 a.m. and lasted until 9:50 a.m., he said.

The troops seized nine high powered firearms including an AK47, M16,  M14, and a grenade launcher from the NPAs.

Backpacks containing subversive documents were also recovered in the area. —Amita Legaspi/KBK/KVD, GMA News