BULUSAN, Sorsogon – Army troops Sunday noon engaged a brief gunbattle with a squad of rebels at a village in Bulusan, Sorsogon this province.

Initial reports said about 1 pm Sunday, March 24, troops belonging to 91st DRC led by SSg Jay G. Buenaflor (AGS) PA, engaged about more or less 10 fighters belonging to the New People’s Army (NPA) while conducting combat operations at vicinity of Barangay Salvacion, this town.

Report also said the firefight lasted for about three (3) minutes after which the NPA guerrillas withdrew towards in northeast direction.

Army report said one NPA fighter was killed.

Army troops are still scouring the encounter sites as of press time.

There is still no confirmation nor press statement coming from the NPA side, validating the Army report.

Meanwhile, there are reports, still unconfirmed as of press time, about 4 body bags with dead soldiers inside being carried by Army troops hours after the encounter.

A villager, requesting to remain anonymous, confirmed seeing 4 body bags being carried by soldiers and load aboard Army truck.

Army report have been known for imposing news blackout on matters about combat operation ad Army casualties. [BicolToday.com]