A suspected official of a rebel group was killed in a clash with government troops in Juban, Sorsogon, according to the 9th Infantry Division (9ID) of the Philippine Army.

The exchange of gunfire lasted for nearly 30 minutes.

Government troops recovered an M653 rifle, ammunition, and personal belongings from the rebels at the encounter site.

The offense was conducted following a tip from a concerned citizen about the presence of the rebel group in the area.

The 9th Infantry Division said it will intensify security measures in the region, especially with the upcoming elections in 2025.

“Alam naman natin sa mga nakalipas na mga taon ay nagsasagawa sila ng mga — nagi-implement ng permit to campaign at permit to win, kaya’t mas pinaiigting natin yung ating operation laban sa insurgency dito sa rehiyon,” Major Frank Roldan, Chief of the Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) of the 9ID, said.