PH Army: 5 suspected NPAs killed in Lagonoy, Camarines Sur clash

The Philippine Army said five suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in an encounter with government security troops in Lagonoy, Camarines Sur on Tuesday.

In a statement, Army spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala said the clash involved troops of the 9th Infantry Division.

Dema-ala said the encounter occurred around 6 a.m. in Barangay Burabod. 

“This operation was conducted in line with our constitutional mandate to protect the people, uphold the rule of law, and secure communities from armed threats,” Dema-ala told GMA News Online, adding that government forces recovered the bodies of the rebels..

The Army reiterated its resolve to hold the communist armed rebels accountable for their supposed atrocities, which displaced and disrupted the livelihood of affected families.

“Our troops will remain vigilant during this holiday season and there will be no let up on our security operations to pursue the remaining members of this terrorist group,” Dema-ala said.

The Army refused to give more information about the clash as pursuit operations are still ongoing. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA Integrated News