Seven alleged New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in an encounter with government troops in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija on Wednesday afternoon, the military said Thursday.
In a statement released by the Philippine Army’s 703rd Infantry Brigade (703IB), several high-powered firearms were also recovered following the encounter with the slain members of Komiteng Rehiyong Gitnang Luzon (Regional Committee of Central Luzon) in Barangay Malbang.
“No casualties were reported on the side of the government, the military said. The slain suspected rebels have yet to be identified,” it added.
According to the military, recovered from the encounter site were three M14 rifles, six M16 rifles, one M16 with M203 attached rifle, one low-powered firearm, subversive documents, and personal belongings.
“Hot pursuit operations are ongoing to clear the encounter site and ensure the safety of the community,” the Army said.
Lieutenant Colonel Jerald Reyes, commanding officer of the 84th Infantry Battalion (84IB), said the unit launched the combat operations against the alleged rebel group as they reportedly threatened residents in the area.
“We stopped their plan to regain their influence in the community using intimidation. Actually, we chased them from Aurora to Nueva Vizcaya, now here in Nueva Ecija,” Reyes said.
The Army battled about 20 NPA guerrillas, according to Major Jimson Masangkay, spokesman for the 7th Infantry Division.
The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, which has waged one of the world’s longest Maoist insurgencies.
The Philippine military estimates there are fewer than 2,000 guerrillas left, and firefights have become less frequent.
Hundreds of communist rebels have surrendered in recent years in exchange for financial assistance and livelihood opportunities, according to the government.
Meanwhile, Brigadier General Joseph Norwin Pasamonte, commander of the 703IB, said the troops will maintain their “strong commitment to the community in preserving the peace that we have been working on for years.” – With Agence France Presse
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Philippine army says seven leftist rebels killed in clash“