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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 2 NPA rebels killed, another captured in Oriental Mindoro clash – military

2 NPA rebels killed, another captured in Oriental Mindoro clash – military

Published Jul 29, 2026 09:08 pm

At A Glance

  • Two alleged New People's Army (NPA) fighters were killed and another was captured after government troops clashed with armed rebels in Barangay Del Pilar, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro on July 29 following a tip from residents.
  • Soldiers recovered two M16 rifles, IED components, food supplies, and personal belongings, while pursuit operations continued against fleeing members of the armed group.
  • The military said the operation reflects intensified efforts to dismantle the remaining NPA units in Mindoro, stressing that community cooperation has been key to weakening the insurgency and encouraging remaining rebels to surrender.
An armed encounter between government troops and alleged New People's Army (NPA) rebels occurred in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro on July 29, 2026, which led to the death of two insurgents and capture of another one. (Courtesy of 2nd Infantry Division)
An armed encounter between government troops and alleged New People's Army (NPA) rebels occurred in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro on July 29, 2026, which led to the death of two insurgents and capture of another one. (Courtesy of 2nd Infantry Division)
Government troops killed two alleged New People's Army (NPA) fighters and captured another one during an armed encounter in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro on Wednesday, July 29, the Philippine Army (PA) said.
The clash broke out after soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Division’s (2ID) 203rd Infantry Brigade launched an operation in Purok 3, Barangay Del Pilar around 1 p.m. after concerned residents reported about the presence of armed men in their community.
The military said troops recovered two M16 rifles, improvised explosive device (IED) components, food supplies, and personal belongings abandoned by fleeing rebels. Pursuit operations against the remaining members of the group were continuing as of press time.
Brig. Gen. Melencio Ragudo, commander of the 203rd Infantry Brigade, said the operation showed the value of cooperation between security forces, local government units, and residents.
“This operation shows the importance of the Army's strong partnership with local government units and the communities we serve. What happened here in Naujan demonstrates that when the local government, security forces, and residents work together, armed groups are given less space to move, intimidate communities, and disrupt the peace,” Ragudo said.
The operation forms part of the military's continuing campaign to dismantle the remaining NPA units in Mindoro, one of the few areas where communist guerrillas continue to operate despite years of government offensives and localized peace initiatives.
“We will sustain our operations until the remaining armed personalities are accounted for. At the same time, we continue to encourage those who are still in the movement to surrender while they still have the opportunity,” Ragudo added.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Ramon Zagala, commander of the 2ID, said the latest operation reflected the weakening capability of the remaining insurgent forces on the island.
“This accomplishment is another indication that we are steadily reducing the capability of the remaining CTG elements in Mindoro. Every successful operation, every firearm recovered, and every life spared from violence brings us closer to a future where communities can focus on development instead of conflict,” Zagala said.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)has reported a significant decline in the strength of the communist insurgency in recent years following sustained military operations, surrender programs, and support from local government units.
The military has said that only a handful of guerrilla fronts remain active nationwide.
“Our objective has never been to take lives. It is to protect communities and preserve peace. We hope those who continue to carry arms will choose to return to the folds of the law while they still can,” Zagala said.

Related Tags

AFP Philippine Army 2nd Infantry Division Oriental Mindoro NPA armed encounter communist insurgency
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