CAMP OLA, Albay – Two suspected members of the New Peoples’ Army (NPA) were captured by government troops during a five–minute firefight in Masbate province on Good Friday.
Police Major Malu Calubaquib, Police Regional Office 5 (PRO-5) spokesperson, said that two members of “Milisyang Bayan” were apprehended after the encounter between troops of the Joint Provincial Task Force – Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases Coronavirus Shield (JPTF-MEID MASBATE CV SHIELD) led by 2nd Lt. Jay Zachary Tunguia of the Philippine Army and at least 15 suspected NPA members in Cabas-an, Aroroy town.
Calubaquib said that while the government troops are assisting in relief distribution, they were fired upon by the suspects, triggering the firefight.
No reported casualty on both sides but the Army captured two suspected rebels whose identifies were withheld.
The troops recovered from the rebels a .45-caliber pistol, two homemade shotguns, a carbine rifle, an improvised explosive device (IED), and assorted ammunition.
Calubaquib said that all adjacent police stations and Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFCs) of the PNP were directed to conduct checkpoints or chokepoint to intercept the fleeing enemies. (Nino N. Luces)
