A suspected rebel was killed and a high-powered rifle recovered after an encounter between government troops and insurgents in Sitio Balagbag, Barangay San Lorenzo, Norzagaray, Bulacan, on Friday.
The firefight erupted after soldiers from the 73rd Division Reconnaissance Company responded to reports of about 20 armed men allegedly extorting from residents. The 10-minute exchange ended with the rebels retreating, leaving behind one dead comrade, an M14 rifle, and several packs of supplies.
No government casualties were reported. Authorities are verifying the identity of the slain rebel while pursuit operations continue to track the fleeing group.
Brig. Gen. Eugenio Julio Osias IV, commander of the 703rd Infantry Brigade, praised the soldiers’ professionalism and community cooperation. He urged the remaining rebels to surrender and avail themselves of government reintegration programs.
Osias said the Army remains committed to maintaining peace and security in Central Luzon through coordinated operations with the police and local officials.
