Manila

Philippine military spokesperson Major Frank Roldan confirmed that two suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in a brief clash early Monday in Esperanza town, Masbate province, and southeast of Manila. According to source, the skirmish lasted about 15 minutes and occurred before 7 a.m. local time. Four other rebels escaped the scene, leaving behind the bodies of their fallen comrades.

During the operation, Philippine troops recovered an M653 rifle, a caliber 38 revolver, and personal items belonging to the rebels. No government soldiers were injured or killed in the exchange.

The NPA, which has been engaged in conflict with government forces since 1969, continues to concentrate its activities in rural areas despite a decline in its membership from its peak of around 25,000 armed members in the 1980s, according to military data.