Soldiers from the Philippine Army's (PA) 2nd Infantry Division (2ID) clashed with alleged members of the New People's Army (NPA) at the boundary of Barangays Pagasa and Dumagmang in Labo, Camarines Norte.

The encounter happened at 7:43 a.m. on Friday, November 30, 2024, as the troops were conducting routine security operations following reports from residents of the presence of alleged armed groups in the area.

It was the alleged NPA terrorists who allegedly opened fire first at the soldiers.

This resulted in a 25-minute firefight before the militants fled, taking their wounded comrades with them, the 2ID said in its report on Monday, December 2, 2024.

No casualties were reported on the government side.

The troops recovered an M16 rifle, ammunition, two cellular phones, personal items, food supplies, and subversive documents from the scene.

This clash followed an encounter in Famy, Laguna where an alleged female NPA member was killed, and a short firearm was recovered.

Maj. Gen. Cerilo Balaoro Jr., commander of the 2ID, praised the troops for their successful operation and the support from local communities.

"The series of encounters in the area is a result of the continuous support of the people," the 2ID said in a report.

"The terrorists operating in the area are now losing ground in trying to regain their forces in Southern Tagalog and the adjacent areas of the 2ID," it added.