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LUCENA CITY – A suspectedÌý New People’s Army (NPA)rebel was killed in an encounter on Friday with Army soldiers in Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro.
Colonel Jeffrex Molina, the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division (2ID) public affairs office chief, reported Saturday that patrolling soldiers from the 4th Infantry Battalion were tipped off on the presence of an unspecified number of armed men in Barangay (village) Panaytayan on Friday afternoon.
An exchange of gunfire ensued that lasted 15 minutes which ended with the rebels withdrawing and leaving behind the body of their slain comrade.
The report did not specify if the fatality is male or female. No casualty was reported on the government side.
The soldiers also recovered an M16 rifle at the encounter site.
Major General Cerilo Balaoro Jr., 2ID commander, reiterated the government’s call to the remaining NPA rebels to surrender, return to the fold of the law and live peacefully with their families.
The government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip) offers free medical treatments, education, housing, and legal aid to rebels who will surrender.
Each rebel can receive cash aid and other benefits to help them and their families to start new lives.