3 rebels killed, 5 high-powered weapons seized in Quezon clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 9): 3 rebels killed, 5 high-powered weapons seized in Quezon clash

Troopers from the 85th Infantry Battalion killed three New People's Army (NPA) fighters during an encounter at Barangay Liwayway, Mauban town, Quezon Wednesday night.

The government troopers also recovered at the site of encounter three M-16 automatic rifles, a M-653 "Baby Armalite," and an M-79 grenade launcher.

Government security troops were on routine patrol when they spotted an undetermined number of rebels at 7:14 p.m., triggering a 30-minute firefight.

Three of the NPAs were killed immediately while no casualties were incurred by the 85th Infantry Battalion, Southern Luzon Command spokesperson Major Angelo Guzman said.

The retreating NPAs left the bodies of their slain comrades, 85th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Simeon Talosig said.

Additional troops were inserted in the area to track down the rest of the rebel group.

"We have increased the pace of our military operations in all our focus areas this year. This is a extra step towards a more peaceful region," Southern Luzon Command head Lt. Gen. Ricardo R. Visaya said.

"We will always remain on guard for the safety and protection of the people," he said.

Quezon joins Sorsogon, Masbate and Mindoro as the focus area of the Southern Luzon Command as far as Internal Security is concerned.

The rest of the Southern Luzon was declared as "Conflict Manageable and Ready for Further Development."

Last July 6, former NPA stronghold Rizal Province was declared as "Conflict Manageable and Ready for Further Development."

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=780892