Philippine troops kill 4 suspected rebels in clash

MANILA, May 29– A military spokesperson on Monday said that Philippine troops killed four suspected rebels in a clash in the central Philippines on Sunday. Army Captain Jefferson Mariano said the clash between the troops and the New People’s Army insurgents lasted 15 minutes in Northern Samar province. The troops also recovered firearms and ammunition.

MANILA, May 29 (Xinhua) — A military spokesperson on Monday said that Philippine troops killed four suspected rebels in a clash in the central Philippines on Sunday.

Army Captain Jefferson Mariano said the clash between the troops and the New People’s Army (NPA) insurgents lasted 15 minutes in Northern Samar province. The troops also recovered firearms and ammunition.

NPA rebels have been fighting the government since 1969. They concentrate their attacks on rural areas and have skirmishes with the military.

Military data showed that the NPA is estimated to have 2,000 members, significantly lower than its peak strength in the 1980s. Enditem