By Connie Calipay

RECOVERED. The recovered firearms and other materials were obtained in a series of encounters in two barangays in Mobo, Masbate over the weekend. Two New People’s Army members were killed during the clashes. (Photo courtesy of 9ID)

LEGAZPI CITY – Two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in a series of encounters with government forces in two barangays in Mobo, Masbate over the weekend.

Maj. Frank Roldan, chief of the 9th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office, identified the NPA rebels as alias “Lito” and “Roco”.

Recovered from the rebels were several firearms, equipment, subversive documents and personal belongings.

“Our government troops are actively conducting focused military operations to ensure the safety of our citizens and communities, particularly in the remote areas of Bicol. Following a report from a concerned individual about a group of armed men in their vicinity, we initiated combat operations that led to a series of encounters,” Roldan said.

During the operations, one soldier died and two were injured, Roldan added.

“The wounded soldiers are now in stable condition and receiving care in the hospital,” he said. (PNA)