Some residents of Barangay Sta. Rita in Gallego, Camarines Sur had fled their homes following an armed operation against an alleged rebel group in the area. 

Initiated by the 902nd Infantry Brigade, the military operation targeted approximately 20 alleged members of the rebel group believed to be responsible for the killing of five members of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) in Brgy. Mapulot, Tagkawayan, Quezon, in September 2023.

Residents in the vicinity reported loud explosions and gunfire at around 4 a.m. Helicopters then patrolled the vicinity to ensure the safety of residents.

"Ginising lang ako ni misis ta sabi nagkakagulo na daw sa langit. Paggising ko nga, pagbangon ko, may isang putok ditong malakas talaga [parang] bomba," a resident said.

"Nagkaroon ng mga putok ‘yung ating mga aircraft kasi dahil nga doon sa mga nag-reresist na mga elements ng NPA during the encounter. Ang significant doon, may mga HVT daw or High-Value Target na mga kasama doon," Major Frank Roldan, Chief of the DPAO, 9th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, said.

Some residents chose to evacuate temporarily, seeking refuge with relatives in other barangays. Around 24 families received immediate assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Bicol.

Family food packs and hygiene kits were distributed, and the DSWD is coordinating with the local government unit for psychosocial debriefing.

"We provide technical assistance to the MSWDO for the conduct of such psychosocial debriefing doon sa mga bata, at doon sa mga pamilya na nag-evacuate at possible na affected," Claudio Villareal, Head of Disaster Response and Rehabilitation Section at DSWD RO V, said.

Following the encounter, soldiers gathered residents to explain the situation.

No casualty among government forces were reported, and authorities continue clearing operations in the area affected.