A squad leader and two members of the New People's Army (NPA) were killed in a 30-minute clash with government troops in Leyte on Monday.

Lt. Col. Celeste Frank Sayson, commander of the 93rd Infantry Battalion, said the encounter transpired after a civilian reported the presence of the rebels at Barangay Pangue in Jaro, Leyte.

The firefight resulted in the death of Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee squad leader Fidel Lagado Lagado alias Rod/Jason, its medical officer Maricel Anora alias Yenyen/Gani and a member and political guide Jun Bereno alias Sonny/Danny.

Sayson said troops recovered "one carbine rifle, three Cal .45 pistols, three rifle grenades, two Keypod cellular phones, one Vivo touch screen cellular phone, voluminous subversive documents and personal belongings" of the rebels.

"The 93rd IB is assisting in the funeral requirements of the dead NPAs, and had already informed their families," he said. Robina Asido/DMS