2 suspected Reds, Army soldier killed in hour-long Southern Leyte clash —military

Two suspected New People's Army rebels and an Army soldier were killed following an hour-long clash in Bontoc, Southern Leyte on Wednesday, the military said.

In a statement, the 802nd Infantry Brigade said officials are still verifying the identities of the rebel fatalities, who are believed to be remnants of Platoon 1, Island Committee Levox, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

Recovered during the clearing operation were an M16 rifle, three backpacks, 10 tents and personal belongings.

Lieutenant Colonel Ernesto dela Rosa, 14th Infantry Battalion commander, said the communist rebels suffered more casualties based on the bloodstains in the encounter site.

A soldier died during the firefight, the military said.  Another soldier was wounded and given immediate treatment.

According to the military, the identities of the government casualties are withheld pending notification of their respective families.

Brigadier General Zosimo Oliveros, commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, directed the deployment of more soldiers including reinforcement from the 93IB to hunt down the fleeing armed rebels. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA News