MILAGROS, Masbate (Dec 10, 2012) -- Yesterday morning as millions of Filipinos enthusiastically waited the Pacquiao-Marquez fight, Army soldiers were clashing with New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Esperanza town in this province, resulting in the death of one rebel.
A platoon from the Charlie Company of the 9th Infantry Battalion led by 2nd Lieutenant Bahnarin Camsa was conducting a security patrol in the outskirts of the village when they encountered about 8 NPA fighters in Dumorog village of the said town at around 7:00am.
The bandits scampered away to different directions after 10 minutes of heavy exchange of fires against the soldiers.
The soldiers found an unidentified dead rebel left behind by his fleeing comrades. The soldiers brought the slain combatant to the nearby village for proper identification.
The soldiers also confiscated an M16 Rifle, 1 Cal. 38 revolver and 5 improvised anti-personnel mines from the rebels No one was hurt among the soldiers who figured in the said clash.
According to military sources, a small group of NPA rebels are making their presence felt in the hinterland villages by extorting money from the local residents. Through the military's cellphone hotlines, the these activities are easily tipped-off, resulting in occasional clashes.