Rebel death toll in Quezon raid rises to 2

MANILA, Philippines - The remains of a suspected New People Army (NPA) rebel were recovered in Sariaya, Quezon shortly after noon Tuesday, bringing to two the number of insurgents killed in the predawn raid conducted by government security forces. An updated report said the body was found 12:25 p.m. about 500 meters east of the encounter site in Mamala Uno village. “He was initially wounded but was abandoned and left to die by his group to evade pursuing government troops," a report received by Brig. Gen. Jorge Segovia, commander of the 202nd Brigade, said. Earlier at 5 a.m, troops belonging to the Philippine Air Force’s 740th Combat Group swooped down on a suspected rebel lair in Mamala Uno village where about 20 insurgents were holding camp. Two M16 rifles, enemy documents and personal belongings were recovered by operating troops. There were no reported government casualties. Ground forces then conducted pursuit operations with the air support from helicopter gun ships. - GMANews.TV