Military says NPA member killed in Surigao del Sur firefight

An alleged member of the New People's Army (NPA) was killed in a firefight with government troops in Marihatag, Surigao del Sur on March 21, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said on Wednesday.

In a statement, the AFP said the identity of the deceased rebel has yet to be determined.

The 75th Infantry Battalion encountered around 20 suspected NPA members in an uninhabited area in Sitio Montenegren, Barangay San Isidro, according to the military.

Government troops located the alleged armed group based on information from concerned citizens. The operation resulted in a 10-minute encounter.

The suspected rebels fled after the firefight.

Recovered from the encounter site were six high-powered firearms, including M16 rifles, AK 47 rifles, an M653 rifle, and an M203 grenade launcher, according to the military.

War materiel such as improvised explosive device paraphernalia and documents with high intelligence value were also recovered, it added.

"We are thankful for the populace's support for their courage in reporting the presence of the NPAs in the area," said the 401st Brigade commander, Colonel Rommel Almaria. — BM, GMA News