Troops clash with rebels, seize explosive, firearms

GOVERNMENT forces have recovered improvised bomb and firearms after a clash with the New People's Army (NPA) rebels in the hinterlands of Compostela Valley province, a military official said.

Army's 25th Infantry Battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel Cesar Molina said the clash took place around 10 a.m. Wednesday in Sitio Liloan, San Vicente village, Montevista town, Compostela Valley province.

Molina said the encounter happened when his troops chanced upon the NPA rebels while conducting security patrol in Sitio Liloan, San Vicente village.

The firefight lasted for about 30 minutes. The NPAs fled after they were outfought by the troops, Molina said.

"The encounter was a result of the reports given by the community. The 25th Infantry 'Fireball' Battalion reacted upon the reports of the people concerning the NPA rebels in the area who are harassing the populace thereat, so the 25th IB conducted security patrol," he said.

Recovered after the clash were M-16 rifle, a caliber .30 Carbine rifle, an improvised bomb fashioned out as a landmine, a hand grenade, and other bomb-making materials like switch, wire, batteries and some personal belongings, Molina said.

He lauded the vigilance of residents, saying "if not through their reports, another explosion would have not been prevented."

"This shows that the NPA [is] losing [its] mass bases and that the community is showing their support to the government," he added.