Two alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were confirmed killed and another one captured after an encounter in Barangay Del Pilar, Naujan town in Oriental Mindoro province.
Troops from the Army’s 76th Infantry Battalion engaged in a firefight with around 10 members of the NPA under the leadership of a certain Antonio Baculo alias Floor or Duralite.
According to Del Pilar village chief Israel Saunar, the soldiers encountered the suspected rebels in the vicinity of Purok 2 and Purok 3 at around 11 a.m.
Brigadier General Melencio Ragudo, commander of the Army’s 203rd Brigade, said that a hot pursuit operation is ongoing and advised residents to monitor any suspicious activities and to avoid going near the affected area until authorities declare it safe.
Checkpoints were also set up by the Philippine National Police on possible escape routes of the remaining NPA members.
No casualties were reported among the Army troopers