ENCOUNTER. The recovered items after a clash between soldiers and communist rebels in Barangay Gabao, Irosin town, Sorsogon province on Thursday morning (April 16, 2020). A rebel was killed in the clash. (Photo courtesy of 9th Infantry Division)
LEGAZPI CITY – A member of the New People's Army (NPA) was killed on Thursday morning in an armed encounter between government troops and the communist terrorist group (CTG) in Sitio Tongdol, Barangay Gabao, Irosin town in Sorsogon province.
Army Capt. John Paul Belleza, 9th Infantry Division Public Affairs spokesperson, said in a phone interview that the soldiers were conducting security operations in response to a report about the gathering of some rebels in the area when the clash broke out.
"Firefight lasted for 10 minutes before the enemies scampered towards different directions, leaving their dead comrade behind. One M16 rifle, several anti-personnel mines, and other subversive equipment and supplies were recovered in the encounter site," he said.
Belleza said the troops are still hunting down the rebels who fled, as of this posting.
"Joint Task Force Bicolandia (commander), Major General Fernando Trinidad commended the troops for the successful operation and assured the public of the military's relentless efforts to prevent the CTG from spreading harm and violence in the region amidst the ongoing battle against Covid-19," he added. (PNA)
