3 cops die, 1 hurt in clash with communist rebels

MANILA, Philippines—A police officer was hurt in a clash with suspected members of the New People’s Army in Zambales province early Wednesday morning, police said.

Philippine National Police spokesman Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina, citing reports from Central Luzon police, said a police unit clashed with an estimated 30 members of the communist rebels in the village of Malabon in Candelaria town at around 7 a.m.

The police unit’s team leader, identified only as a certain Inspector Dellezo, was wounded in the encounter and he was brought to the Candelaria District Hospital for treatment.

Espina said reinforcing teams arrived and engaged with the suspects, leaving three still unidentified suspects dead.

Recovered from the crime scene were various high-powered firearms and ammunition.

Source: Inquirer