Three communist rebels were killed in an armed encounter in Kapai, Lanao del Sur.

According to the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) ZamPeLan engaged around six members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in gunfight in Barangay Malna shortly before midnight on Saturday, October 5, 2024.

The firefight lasted for about 15 minutes, which resulted in the death of alias “Mogul,” alias “Cris,” and alias “Ren.”

The three were believed to be members of the dispatch team of the Sub-Regional Committee 5, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) led by alias “Drags.”

There was no casualty on the government side.

Recovered from the clash site were four high-powered firearms, including two M16 Rifles; an M653 Rifle; and an M14 Rifle.

The military has cordoned the area to restrict the movements of the fleeing rebels who are being pursued by authorities, as of this writing.

“First and foremost, we would like to underline the significant role of JTF Zampelan in the neutralization of the said threat group. We anticipate fruitful operations in the months to come noting the continuous efforts and developments made to eliminate the threats in our Area of Responsibility,” WestMinCom Commander, Lt. Gen. William Gonzales, said.