TACLOBAN CITY – Five New People’s Army rebels have been killed in gunbattles with government troops in Catubig, Northern Samar.
NPA weapons recovered in the Catubig, Northern Samar clash.
A communist rebel was killed and a soldier was wounded in an encounter during a pursuit operation in Barangay Nagoocan, Catubig, on Thursday, June 5.
Five communist rebels have been killed in gun battles that erupted on June 3, the 8th Infantry Division said.
Troops recovered a Ultimax squad automatic weapon, an M16 rifle, and an Uzi submachine gun in the encounter.
Authorities are investigating if they were issued to government forces.
The wounded soldier is now in stable condition.
Major Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the 8th ID, condoled with the family of the fatality.
He emphasized the importance of recovering government-issued equipment used by the terrorist group to sow violence in communities.
“This retrieval is regarded by the Philippine Army as a significant step in regaining control over critical government property and denying the CNTs the use of military assets to pursue their interests,” Orio said.