2 killed, 1 wounded in Quezon clash

TWO suspected members of New People’s Army (NPA) were killed, while a militiaman was wounded, in an encounter shortly before 12 midnight of Sunday, April 1, a military official said.

Southern Luzon Command Deputy Public Information Officer 1st Lieutenant Felise Solano said around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 31, militiaman and troops from the 85th Infantry Battalion had an encounter with still unidentified number of suspected NPA rebels in Barangay San Andres, Lopez, Quezon.

She said the enemies retracted after 15-minute clash leaving the bodies of their two members.

Troops also recovered in the encounter site one M16 sniper rifle with scope, one AK-47 rifle, one rifle grenade, communication equipment, personal belongings, and assorted documents.

The wounded militiaman was identified as Michael Collado, a member of Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu)–Civilian Active Auxiliary in Barangay San Andres.

Solano said they conducted follow up operations after receiving reports that several wounded persons were sighted in the area.

Lopez police station chief Superintendent Rodrigo Soriano said they have monitored several members of the NPA at least 300 meters from the Cafgu and military detachment in the area who are planning to harass government forces there but they did not succeed as they were outnumbered by the troops. (Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo/ SunStar Philippines)