Three NPA rebels killed in military ops in Cam Sur, Oriental Mindoro

Soldiers on Monday killed three members of the New People's Army who were allegedly planning to attack military detachments in Camarines Sur and Oriental Mindoro, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said Tuesday.

A 45-minute firefight took place in Barangay San Rafael Norte, Lupi, Camarines Sur on Monday afternoon, resulting in the death of two communist rebels and recovery of an M60 machine gun, one M16 rifle and several rounds of ammunition.

Troops who were sent to clearing operations  in the area also recovered one M14 rifle in Barangay Belwang, Lupi, Camarines Sur at 10:30 p.m. on the same day, and one KG9 rifle and 28  improvised explosive devices on Tuesday morning.

Another NPA member, meanwhile, died in the 15-minute gun fight in Barangay Antolon, Caramoan, Camarines Sur, where troops seized two M16 rifles, one grenade launcher and six IEDs.

Clearing operations of the 203rd Infantry Brigade yielded one M60 machine gun in Barangay Morente in Bongabon, Oriental Mindoro.

AFP Southern Luzon Command chief Lieutenant General Ricardo Visaya lauded his men for neutralizing the rebels.

“I commend the outstanding leadership of our commanders with their dedication and commitment to serve the country and people,” Visaya said. “Also key to the success of the operations is the cooperation of the masses.

He added the encounters are "in pursuit of an all-out peace in the region."

“We want to put an end to the fears and sufferings of the people living in the countryside," Visaya said. —Virgil Lopez/NB, GMA News