Col. Roderick Parayno, Philippine Army chief in Quezon, said soldiers led by Lieutenant Nelmar Rico engaged some 15 armed NPA rebels in a fierce firefight in the village of Sta. Rosa, Lopez, Quezon on Thursday. The firefight lasted for 15 minutes after which the rebels were forced to abandon their camp. Parayno said the camp could accommodate more than 20 rebels. He said no soldier was hurt in the clash.
