PLACER, MASBATE – Two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in an armed encounter with government troops at the boundary of Barangay Mahayag and Barangay Pili in Placer, Masbate province on Monday. Firearms and other materials were also confiscated during the clash.
According to Philippines News Agency, chief of the Public Affairs Office of the 9th Infantry Division, the deceased rebels were part of Platoon 1, Larangang Guirilla 2, under the Sub-Regional Committee 3 of the NPA’s Bicol Regional Party Committee. “The encounter occurred while our forces were assisting residents impacted by Tropical Storm Enteng. We were informed that the NPA members were extorting revolutionary taxes in the area,” Roldan detailed. The firefight, which lasted approximately ten minutes, resulted in the death of two NPA members and the recovery of an M653 assault rifle, a Garand rifle, a caliber .38 gun, six anti-personnel landmines, various ammunition, medical supplies, and personal belongings.
Roldan also reported that a hot pursuit operation is ongoing as the remaining NPA members dispersed in various directions following the skirmish. He confirmed that there were no casualties among government forces or local residents during the incident.