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MANILA, Philippines — Four alleged members of the communist New People’s Army were killed in an encounter with government troops in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said on Thursday.
According to AFP, some 20 members of the NPA were allegedly extorting food and supplies in Barangay Carabalan, prompting the troops of the 3rd Infantry Division to conduct combat operations in the area on Wednesday.
The killed Maoist rebels have yet to be identified.
Authorities also seized six firearms consisting of two M16 rifles, M203 grenade launchers, and two AK47 rifles.
Brigadier General Marion Sison, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, said the government troops would continue intensifying military operations in the area.
“Expect relentless and intensified military operations in the coming days and weeks, for we are determined to protect Negrenses from your atrocities,” Sison said in a statement.