The Philippine Army in the Bicol Region is maintaining strict monitoring and vigilance after consecutive encounters between government troops and rebel groups were recorded.
Maj. Frank Roldan, spokesperson for the 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, told Bombo Radyo Naga that on Monday, one of five New People’s Army (NPA) members was killed following a 10-minute clash with government forces in Barangay Salvacion, Garchitorena, Camarines Sur.
Recovered from the incident were an M16 rifle, firearms, explosives, seven anti-personnel mines, materials for making explosive devices, ammunition, and personal belongings of the rebels.
There were no reported casualties or injuries on the government troops’ side during the encounter.
In Milagros, Masbate province, an encounter was reported between the 2nd Infantry Battalion and members of the NPA’s Platoon 2, Guerrilla South Field Committee, lasting approximately 15 minutes in Barangay San Carlos.
Meanwhile, five NPA members surrendered voluntarily at the 9th Infantry Sandigan Battalion headquarters in Libmanan, Camarines Sur.
Reports indicate that a lack of leadership within their ranks prompted their voluntary surrender to government forces.
The Philippine Army continues to encourage rebel groups to surrender voluntarily to avoid suffering the fate of others who lost their lives in previous clashes.