The Philippine Army reported that six members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in an encounter in Barangay Paco, Las Navas, Northern Samar.

Four firearms were seized during the conduct of a joint military operations by the 19th Infantry “Commando” Battalion, and the 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division.

The operation was conducted following the information given by a concerned civilian that a group of armed men was seen passing through a hinterland area of the said barangay.

The rebels are reportedly members of the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Emporium, Eastern Visyas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) under Ariel Baselga.

Based on the accounts of the encountered government troops, the terrorist›s hideouts were heavily fortified and surrounded by prohibited anti-personnel mines (APMs) that prompted the troops to call for artillery support. Under the International Humanitarian Law (IHL), these anti-personnel mines are prohibited.

The government troops recovered six unidentified cadavers, two M16 rifles, two pistols, three grenades, and assorted personal belongings.

Las Navas Mayor Arlito Tan called on the remaining rebels to surrender.

8th Infantry Division chief Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio emphasized the crucial role played by the residents of formerly conflict-affected communities in achieving this victory.