Firearm, war materiel seized in Masbate clash with NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30, 2023): Firearm, war materiel seized in Masbate clash with NPA (By Connie Calipay)

RECOVERED. A high-powered firearm and other war materiel of the New People's Army are recovered after a clash between soldiers and rebels in Masbate province on Wednesday (Aug. 30, 2023). Recovered at the site were an M16 rifle, three pieces of magazine assemblies, a bandolier, subversive documents and personal belongings of the rebels. (Photo courtesy of 9ID)

LEGAZPI CITY – A high-powered firearm and other war materiel belonging to the New People's Army (NPA) were recovered after an armed encounter between soldiers and rebels in Masbate province on Wednesday.

In an interview, Maj. Frank Roldan, Army’s 9th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office chief, said the encounter occurred in Barangay Guindawahan, Pio V. Corpuz town.

“Recovered were (an) M16 rifle, three pieces of magazine assemblies, a bandolier, 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 nine NPA rebels for about 10 minutes.

"No soldier was reported injured or killed in the incident," Roldan said, adding that the military is still determining whether the rebels suffered casualties.

"Engaged troops are still on pursuit operations and the Quick Response Team was alerted," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1208828