2 CAFGUs killed in Masbate clash with suspected Reds

Two government militiamen were killed while four others were wounded following a clash with suspected New People's Army rebels in Masbate Friday morning, a regional Army spokesperson said. 

Captain Joash Pramis, public affairs officer of the Army's 9th Infantry Division, said at 9:37 a.m., an encounter erupted between elements of the 22nd Infantry Battalion and an undetermined number of insurgents at Purok Mangga in Barangay Mactan in Cawayan town.

The firefight lasted for 20 minutes, resulting in the deaths of two CAFGU members. In addition, three other militiamen were wounded, as well as the Army team leader.

There was no reported casualties on the rebel side.

The clash came as peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front have been on a standstill since November last year. — RSJ, GMA News