Government troops clashed with communist rebels in Socorro, Oriental Mindoro on Saturday, seizing high-powered firearms and other war materiel, military officials said on Tuesday.

The 76th Infantry Battalion under the 203rd Infantry Brigade encountered approximately 12 members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) in Sitio Kamilihan, Barangay Bugtong na Tuog, Socorro town around 4:00 PM.

The rebels were identified as members of the combined forces of Ignacio Claveria Magadia (ICM) and Main Regional Guerilla Unit (MRGU) under Sub-Regional Military Area 4D of the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee.

Military forces recovered three high-powered firearms, explosive devices, war equipment, subversive documents, and personal belongings.

No casualties were reported on the government side.

The encounter followed a previous clash on November 5 in the same area, where troops seized two high-powered firearms from the same rebel group.

The military has recovered a total of five high-powered weapons from the terrorists within the month.

Military and police forces continue to pursue the fleeing rebels, who reportedly suffered casualties in the firefight, reports said.

The 76th Infantry Battalion renewed its call for remaining members of the terrorist group to surrender and avoid further violence, noting that “the door remains open for change and sincere assistance when needed.”