Several weapons and ammunition were recovered in three encounters between government forces and insurgent groups in Albay and Camarines Sur.
In Barangay Binalay, Tinambac, Camarines Sur, government forces engaged with an estimated 15 alleged members of the insurgent group.
The clash occurred at 1:40 a.m. on February 27, and lasted for almost 10 minutes.
Firearms, ammunition, and other supplies were found by the military in a hut after the encounter.
No casualties were reported on the government side, but bloodstains found at the encounter site suggest potential injuries or fatalities among the insurgents, who managed to retreat.
"Walang naitalang casualty sa panig ng ating government forces. Pero sa kalaban, may mga blood stain na nakita doon sa encounter site na pinaghihinalaang may mga wounded or namatay doon sa kanila at nagawa pa nilang itakbo," Major Frank Roldan, Chief of the Division Public Affairs Office of the 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, said.
Another encounter, resulting in the recovery of firearms, bullets, and equipment, happened at 6 a.m. on the same day, in Barangay Lubigan, Bula, Camarines Sur.
Days earlier on February 24, government forces from the 49th Infantry Battalion engaged with alleged insurgents at 6 a.m., which led to the recovery of several firearms, carbines, bandoliers, and other items after a 10-minute clash.
According to the 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, many insurgents have surrendered and returned to the government, including some leaders of the groups.
"Dahil hirap na hirap na talaga sila doon, hindi na rin daw sila sinusuportahan noong kanilang mataas nan organo. Kaya nakakaisip na sila magbalik-loob na sa pamahalaan. Dahil ang pinaglalaban nila ay na-realize nila na nawawalan na ng saysay," Roldan said.
The government-initiated operations against insurgency have gained significant community support, and efforts to collaborate with the public in the fight against insurgency continue.