A suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed in a clash with government troops in Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro, according to the 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division (2ID).

Soldiers from the 4th Infantry Battalion were conducting security operations in Sitio Cabuyao, Barangay Panaytayan after residents reported alleged extortion activities by the rebels, the 203rd Infantry Brigade said.

A 15-minute firefight erupted when troops encountered an armed group afternoon on Friday, March 14, 2025, forcing the rebels to retreat.

No injuries were reported on the government side but one NPA member was confirmed dead.

Authorities later found an M16 rifle at the site.

Major General Cerilo Balaoro Jr., 2ID commander, commended the community’s role in supporting military operations.

He urged remaining NPA members to surrender and avail of government reintegration programs to reunite with their families.

This encounter follows a similar clash in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro, on December 19, 2024, where an alleged female NPA member was killed, and war materiel was seized.