A female member of the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, was killed in a clash with government troops in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro today, December 18, 2024, the military said, in the latest incident in the country’s decades-long insurgency.

The NPA has been waging a guerrilla war against the government since 1969, seeking to establish a communist state in the country. The group has been responsible for numerous attacks on government troops and civilians, and has been listed as a terrorist organization by the Philippine government and several other countries.

According to a report from the Army’s 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division, troops were conducting routine security operations in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro, when they encountered a band of NPA terrorists.

The clash occurred in Sitio Tinisan, Barangay San Vicente, at around 7:45 am, Dec. 18, and resulted in the death of the female rebel, whose identity has not been determined.

Reports reaching the military headquarters disclosed that soldiers of the 4th Infantry Battalion (4IB) were conducting routine security operations in the area, based on a report from concerned residents about the presence of armed terrorists.

The soldiers figured in a firefight with around five NPA members, leaving one dead and resulting in the confiscation of war items.

Two M16 rifles and assorted war materiel were seized by the military during the encounter.

One soldier was also reported hurt but is in stable condition and receiving medical attention.

The military attributed the success of the operation to tips from town residents, who have been cooperating with the government in its efforts to combat the insurgency.

“Your continued support is significant in achieving our dream of a lasting peace, security, and development in Oriental Mindoro,” said Major General Cerilo Balaoro, commander of the 2nd Infantry Division.

Major General Balaoro also extended his gratitude to the residents of Sitio Tinisan in Barangay San Vicente for their unwavering support and expressed his grief to the family of the dead NPA member who was “exploited by her recruiters to join a passé armed movement.”

The military is also appealing to residents near the encounter site to report any individuals who may have been wounded during the skirmish, so that troops can facilitate their admission to the nearest medical facilities.

“We are appealing to the people in the area to report anyone who may be wounded during the clash so we can provide them with the needed medical attention. Let us give them another chance to live so they can still experience peaceful lives with their loved ones,” said Major General Balaoro.

The 2nd Infantry Division leadership said that the latest feat is a clear message to the remaining members of the NPA terrorist group that the government is serious about totally ending insurgency in Mindoro and the whole regions of Calabarzon and Mimaropa.

The Philippine government has been pursuing a peace process with the communist rebels, but talks have been stalled due to disagreements over key issues, including the release of rebel prisoners and the implementation of social and economic reforms.

The military has been conducting operations against the NPA in Mindoro and other parts of the country, with the goal of ending the insurgency.