An encounter between government forces and rebel groups was reported in Mobo, Masbate.
Around 15 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were involved in the clash with the authorities.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo Legazpi, Maj. Frank Roldan, DPAO chief of the 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, stated that the firefight between the authorities from the 2nd Infantry Battalion and the rebels lasted for about 20 minutes.
After the encounter, the rebels immediately fled in different directions.
Several firearms and explosives used by the rebels were confiscated.
It was learned that before the encounter, authorities had received a tip from a local resident about the presence of rebels in Mobo, prompting the Philippine Army to launch an operation.
Authorities are still investigating if there were any casualties on the rebels’ side, while no casualties were reported on the side of the Philippine armed forces.
Meanwhile, due to the series of recent encounters in Masbate, security measures and surveillance in the province have been tightened to counter the presence of rebel groups.
The official urged the community to continue cooperating with the authorities to fully eliminate insurgency in Masbate and the entire region.