2 firearms, explosives seized in Masbate clash with NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 21, 2023): 2 firearms, explosives seized in Masbate clash with NPA (By Connie Calipay)

RECOVERED. Two high-powered firearms and other war materiel of the New People's Army (NPA) are recovered after an armed encounter with soldiers and rebel groups in Masbate province on Thursday (July 20, 2023). The weapons included two M16 rifles, 12 pieces of 40-mm high explosive ammunition, and two anti-personnel mines. (Photo courtesy of 9ID)

LEGAZPI CITY – At least two high-powered firearms and other war materiel of communist New People's Army (NPA) rebels were recovered after an armed encounter with government troops in Masbate province Thursday.

In an interview on Friday, Maj. Frank Roldan, Army’s 9th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office chief, said the encounter occurred in the border of Barangays Baang and Bagacay in Mobo town of the province.

“Recovered were two M16 rifles, 12 pieces of 40-mm high explosive ammunition, two anti-personnel mines, magazines, subversive documents, and personal belongings of the rebels," Roldan said.

Acting on reports from villagers, he said soldiers from the Army’s 2nd Infantry Battalion proceeded to the area where they traded shots with some 15 NPA rebels for several minutes.

The rebels later withdrew toward the southeast direction, he added.

No soldier was reported injured or killed in the incident.

The military is still determining whether the rebels have suffered casualties.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206110