Suspected NPA leader, 3 others killed in Sorsogon clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28): Suspected NPA leader, 3 others killed in Sorsogon clash

At least four suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels including their leader were killed on Friday in an encounter with government troops in Barangay (village) Trece Martirez in Casiguran, Sorsogon, the town police chief said.

Killed were Andres Hubilla alias Bunso and Magno, the alleged leader with three other companions whose identities were not yet available as of press time, according to Inspector Joseph Millarez, Casiguran town police chief.

Millarez, in a phone interview, said a joint team of police and Army troopers on patrol encountered at around 5:05 a.m. Friday a 30-man rebel group led by Hubilla.

The encounter led to a 30-minute firefight where at the first volley of gunfire, four NPA rebels died instantly, Millarez said.

Suspected rebels, sensing that the government troops were in a vantage point, immediately withdrew to a mountainous area of the village.

Barangay Trece Martirez, a hinterland village, is 10 kilometers away from the town poblacion.

Recovered from the scene was the service handgun of the rebel leader.

Hubilla, a native of Barangay Sta. Cruz, Casiguran town, was the former secretary of the CPP/NPA provincial committee and member of the Bicol Regional Party Committee.

Millarez said Hubilla's group is reportedly operating in remote villages of Casiguran and neighboring towns.
Police report said Hubilla is facing rebellion charges including murder and attempted murder at a local court in Sorsogon City.

He was arrested last year in Trece Martirez, Cavite, but he was able to post bail for his temporary liberty.

Millarez said no casualty was reported among the government troops.

Military and police operatives are in pursuit operations, scouring the areas where the NPA rebels could have sought refuge. Military and police checkpoints were set up in nearby areas.

Police are doing their rounds checking clinics and hospitals for patients admitted with gunshot wounds.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1003436