NPA rebel killed, two high-powered guns seized in Northern Samar encounter

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 5): NPA rebel killed, two high-powered guns seized in Northern Samar encounter

Troopers from the 8th Infantry Division's 63rd Infantry Battalion have killed a New People's Army (NPA) rebel and seized M-16 automatic rifles during an encounter in Barangay Poponton, Las Navas town, Northern Samar Tuesday.

Capt. Amado Gutierrez, 8th Infantry Division spokesperson, said that the soldiers were conducting security patrols when they chanced upon the rebel force.

In the issuing firefight, government forces killed one NPA fighter and seized the two M-16 automatic rifles.

The rest of the rebels immediately fled shortly afterwards.

“After our election duties, we continue our primary mission to protect the people. This is the constitutional mandate of the Armed Forces of the Philippines so we cannot afford to waste time,” 8th Infantry Division Major Gen. Gerardo T. Layug said.

“Our mission and goal is to make the Island of Samar a manageable conflict and development-ready area just like Biliran, Bohol, Leyte and Southern Leyte. We are determined to do this to serve the people of Samar so we can attain a just and lasting peace.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=531505