2 alleged rebels, 2 civilians killed in Leyte clash

Four people, including two suspected communist rebels and two family members of the a slain guerilla, were killed following an encounter with government security forces in the central Philippine province of Leyte Sunday evening, military officials said. Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres said the firefight erupted about 10 p.m. between elements of the 19th Infantry Battalion and an undetermined number of New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Tinghob village in Villaba town. The rebel fatalities were identified as Feliciano Labrador, in his 50s; and one Jezrel, 23. The civilian fatalities were identified as Labrador's wife, Leonora, in her 40s; and their 12-year-old son. No government casualties were reported in the said clash, Torres said. Reach for comments, 19th IB commander Lt. Col. Lope Dagoy said the civilian casualties were inside the hut "where the gunfire came from." Troops recovered two M16 rifles, an M14 rifle, a rifle grenade, magazines and ammunition, Dagoy said. - GMANews.TV