Up to 10 rebels were killed in a clash with the 84th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army in Barangay Malbang, Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija.

According to the military, the rebels were members of 'Komiteng Rehiyong Gitnang Luzon' or the Central Luzon Regional Committee.

The encounter is a result of a hot pursuit operation that began with an aerial strike in Nueva Vizcaya on June 20, 2024.

The Philippine Army recovered 14 high-powered firearms from the encounter.

No soldiers were killed. Meanwhile, four of the deceased rebels have been identified.

Some families living near the encounter site were evacuated.

"Mayroon kaming ini-evacuate sa Barangay Malbang — mayroong 11 families na andoon naman sa mga kapamilya nila — at sa Barangay Villarica, may apat na evacuees andoon sa barangay hall… [para] masiguro natin ‘yung kanilang kaligtasan," Mayor Roberto Agdipa of Pantabangan, said.

In addition to the soldiers deployed in the area, police were also stationed at checkpoints.

"As of now, okey naman na ang security doon. We have our forces there, tapos contained naman ‘yung encounter site. I do believe na relatively secured na ang area," BGEN. Joseph Norwin Pasamonte, Commander of the 703rd Brigade, 7IB, PA, said.

"Sa ngayon, safe naman at may mga lumabas sa social media na naka-lockdown. pinabulaanan natin kasi hindi naman tayo naka-lockdown. everything is under control, andoon ang ating men in uniform," Agdipa said.