9 dead in Philippine clash

Eight New People's Army (NPA) rebels and one soldier died in an encounter in Caganayan Village, Tineg town, Abra province in northern Philippines Monday morning.

Lt. Col. Eren Que, public information officer (G-7) of the 5th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army in Camp Melchor dela Cruz in Isabela province, said the fight occurred at 7:30 on Monday morning between a platoon of soldiers belonging to the 41st Infantry Battalion and 20 NPA rebels.

Reports reaching Allvoices in Manila said 23 soldiers led by 1st Lt. Capoquian had earlier conducted an operation in Caganayan Village after receiving complaints from residents about the actions of the NPA rebels.

Que said that based on the report of Col. Elisha Posadas, commanding officer of the 503rd Infantry Brigade, up to eight NPA combatants, including two amazons, were killed during the operations with the help of the OB-10 fighter bombers and attack helicopters of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

Aside from the NPA rebels killed, eight high-caliber weapons were also recovered after the encounter.

Military authorities temporarily withheld identity of the soldier killed.