Eight suspected NPA rebels killed in Sorsogon clash

(Updated 10:51 a.m.) Eight suspected New People's Army rebels, including two females, were killed following a clash with government security forces in Sorsogon province early Thursday morning, a military spokesperson said.

Around 6 a.m., elements of the Army's 31st Infantry Battalion engaged an undetermined number of insurgents in Barangay Upper Calmayon in Juban town, said military information chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala.

The 35-minute clash also resulted in the recovery of five high-powered firearms, including two M203 grenade launchers and an improvised explosive device.

No government casualties were reported in the incident, Zagala said.

Quoting Col. Joselito Kakilala, commander of the 903rd Brigade, Zagala said "the local villagers were tired of extortion, threats, and abuses" of the rebels operating in the area.

"Our soldiers responded to the call of the villagers," Zagala quoted Kakilala as saying.

The Sorsogon clash came at a time when the rebels were still holding five soldiers captive in Davao City. 

The five abducted soldiers — Cpl. Emmanuel Quezon, Pfcs. Ronald Gura, Bernie Padilla, Donato Estandia, and Pvt. Marteniano Pasiagas Jr. — were about to buy supplies and coordinate with a non-government organization for an upcoming feeding program when seized mid-June at a rebel roadblock in Pacquibato District.