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MANILA, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Eight suspected members of the leftist New People's Army (NPA) were killed in an encounter with government troops in northern Philippine province of Sorsogon Thursday morning, the military said.
Armed Forces Spokesman Chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said a firefight ensued between the 31st Infantry Battalion and some 20 leftist rebels in Upper Calmayon village, Juban town.
The clash lasted for about 35 minutes and resulted to eight casualties from the NPA side including two females. The soldiers recovered five M16 rifles and one improvised explosive device.
Prior to the encounter, residents in the village reported the presence and extortion activities of the rebels, Zagala said, adding that pursuit operation has been ongoing against the other rebels.
There was no reported casualty from the government side.
The NPA, an armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front, has been waging war against the government for over four decades.
Armed Forces Spokesman Chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said a firefight ensued between the 31st Infantry Battalion and some 20 leftist rebels in Upper Calmayon village, Juban town.
The clash lasted for about 35 minutes and resulted to eight casualties from the NPA side including two females. The soldiers recovered five M16 rifles and one improvised explosive device.
Prior to the encounter, residents in the village reported the presence and extortion activities of the rebels, Zagala said, adding that pursuit operation has been ongoing against the other rebels.
There was no reported casualty from the government side.
The NPA, an armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front, has been waging war against the government for over four decades.
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