Army operation in Northern Luzon kills 7 alleged NPAs

An alleged top leader of the New People’s Army in Western Mindanao is killed in a brief clash with government troops on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, according to the military. (File photo from the 1st INFANTRY DIVISION, PHILIPPINE ARMY)

MANILA, Philippines — Seven alleged members of the communist New People’s Army were killed while 10 high-powered firearms were seized in a clash in Nueva Ecija, authorities said on Thursday.

Lieutenant Colonel Jerald Reyes, Commanding Officer of the 84th Infantry Brigade, said the still unidentified rebels were killed in an operation at Barangay Malbang in Pantabangan town on Wednesday afternoon.

Reyes said government troops conducted a pursuit operation targeting the rebels, who were members of the Komiteng Rehiyong Gitnang Luzon (Regional Committee in Central Luzon).

The action covered Aurora to Nueva Vizcaya and Nueva Ecija.

“We have recovered seven cadavers and ten high-powered firearms,” Reyes said in a statement after the operation.

READ: 3 alleged NPA rebels slain in Batangas clashes

Troops recovered three M14 rifles, six M16 rifles and one M16 with M203 attached rifle, among others.

As of Thursday, the military campaign continues “to clear the encounter site,” according to Reyes.