By NIÑO N. LUCES
CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur – Two members of the Civilian Armed Auxiliary were killed while a soldier and three other CAAs were wounded in a 20-minute firefight with suspected New People’s Army rebels in Barangay Mactan, Cawayan, Masbate yesterday morning.
Capt. Joash Pramis, spokesperson of 9th Infantry Division, said troops of the CAA detachment based in Barangay Del Carmen, Uson, Masbate were conducting combat patrol operations at around 8:30 a.m. when they encountered an undetermined number of NPA rebels.
A firefight ensued, killing two CAAs and wounding one soldier and three CAAs.
The identities of the casualties and wounded have not yet been disclosed.
Pramis added that hot pursuit operations are ongoing.
Chief Insp. Malu Calubaquib, Philippine National Police Albay spokesperson, said that police in adjacent municipalities have been directed to conduct checkpoints in all strategic locations in their areas of responsibility.
Intelligence operatives were directed to verify if any wounded NPA rebels in the encounter were taken to check hospitals and clinics in the province.
