The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is scouring the mountains of Rizal for fleeing New Peoples’ Army rebels.
This comes, following the battle on Thursday afternoon between government troops and about 30 communist insurgents in Barangay Lumutan, General Nakar, Quezon.
Two soldiers were killed while two other government troopers were wounded in the firefight.
Army’s 80th Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang describes the incident as a “chance encounter” between the armed groups.
The soldiers were on combat patrol when they saw the rebels.
A clash erupted and it lasted for more than two hours.
Cabangbang believes the rebels may now be hiding in the remote areas of the adjacent province of Rizal.
Government troops with K-9 units have been deployed for pursuit operations.
The NPAs reportedly suffered heavy casualties in the incident.
General Nakar Police Chief Senior Inspector Leonardo Suaverdez has received information that the death toll on the side of the rebels reportedly reached at least ten.
The estimated number of fatalities were relayed to the police by local residents.