Five NPA rebels were killed and another two captured during a clash between government troops and a group of rebels in Matnog Sorsogon at about 5:45am today

The 17-man section under 31st infantry battalion composed of two army officers operates at Sitio hukdong, barangay Balocawe, Matnog, Sorsogon was fired upon by more or less 25 alleged NPA guirelia. The government troops retaliated and firefight ensued. This resulted to five body counts and five high powered firearms recovered (2 M653 rifles, 2 M16 rifles, and 1 M 203 grenade launcher)

The slain NPA rebels were identified as Kumander Randy, Sonny Pajarillo alyas nick, Alyas Ryan, Alyas Butchokoy, and Elias Garduque. The two apprehended were identified as Maricel Remon alyas Rusel and a certain Intia Garduque.

Brig General Joselito Kakilala in an interview said that Kumander Randy is the Commanding Officer of the provincial yunit group and Ka ryan is his Vice Commander.

Gen. Kakilala attributed the successful operation to the civilians who supported his troops by texting to their hotline numbers seeking for an assistance to the alleged extortion activities of said groups.