Alleged NPA member killed in encounter with gov't troops in Bicol —military

A suspected member of the New People's Army (NPA) was killed during a clash with government troops in Bicol on Friday, the military said.

According to the Philippine Army, the clash occurred at around 12:50 p.m. in Barangay Sta. Lourdes in the municipality of Barcelona in Sorsogon.

Residents informed authorities of the presence of suspected NPA rebels in their area, the military said.

Elements of the Philippine Army's 31st Infantry Battalion (31IB) and 903rd Infantry Brigade, intelligence units of the Philippine Army and Police Regional Office 5 (PRO-5) and the Sorsogon Police Provincial Office then proceeded to the area and encountered at least 20 suspected rebels.

A gun fight occurred, resulting in the killing of the suspected NPA member whose identity is still unknown, the military said.

Four high-powered firearms were recovered from the encounter site by government troops.

31IB Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Marlon Mojica then directed the troops to hunt for the fleeing suspected NPA rebels in the area and nearby barangays.

903rd Brigade Commander Brigadier General Aldwine Almase meanwhile said the successful operation thwarted the rebels' extortion and intimidation activities.

PRO-5 chief Police Brigadier General Jonnel Estomo on the other hand assured the public the government's security sector will intensify efforts to protect them and their communities.

Joint Task Force Bicolandia commander Major General Alex DC Luna meanwhile urged NPA members to not waste their lives in insurgency. —KG, GMA News