Philippine Army troops clashed with suspected members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) in a remote village in Oriental Mindoro, the military said Thursday.

The encounter occurred on December 5, 2024 in Sitio Parakasoy, Barangay Benli, Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro, involving troops from the 4th Infantry “Scorpion” Battalion, led by Lieutenant Colonel Erwin Glenn D. Romero.

The military said around five suspected rebels were believed to have been involved in the clash, which lasted for about 25 minutes.

The rebels fled, leaving behind high-powered firearms, explosives, war materials, ammunition, and subversive documents.

The military is still pursuing the fleeing rebels, with the police force cooperating in the operation.

No casualties were reported on the government side, and residents in the area were safe, reports said.

The gunbattle is the latest in a series of encounters between government forces and the CPP-NPA-NDF in the province.

Last June 27, 2024, troops from the same battalion clashed with suspected rebels in the same barangay, resulting in the recovery of an M16 rifle, explosives, and ammunition.

The military has been urging the remaining members of the CPP-NPA-NDF to surrender and return to the fold of the law, promising them a peaceful life with their families.

“We continue to call on the remaining members of the CPP-NPA-NDF to surrender and return to the government. We will provide them with the necessary assistance and support to help them reintegrate into society,” said Lieutenant Colonel Antonio P. Yago, Battalion Commander of the 4th Infantry Battalion.

The military has also been working closely with Bulalacao residents to prevent the spread of rebel activities in the area.