NORZAGARAY, Bulacan — An armed encounter between the Philippine Army and members of a communist terrorist group (CTG) that left one dead at Sitio Balagbag, Barangay San Lorenzo, in this municipality on Friday has raised questions about the province’s earlier declaration of a “State of Stable Internal Peace and Security.”

The firefight, which occurred less than 50 kilometers from Quezon City, underscores that small groups of communist and other armed factions continue to operate in Bulacan despite years of government efforts to clear the region of insurgents.

According to the 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division, troops from the 73rd Division Reconnaissance Company led by 2nd Lt. Michael Angelo A. Apostol encountered around 20 armed men in the mountainous part of Barangay San Lorenzo. The two groups exchanged gunfire for about ten minutes before the rebels retreated northwest.

Military sources said the troops were conducting combat clearing operations after receiving a report from a concerned resident about armed bandits allegedly extorting civilians in the area.

The clash resulted in the death of one rebel and the seizure of an M14 rifle and five jungle packs. No government casualties were reported.

Brigadier General Eugenio Julio C. Osias IV, commander of the 703rd Infantry “Agila” Brigade, commended the troops for their discipline and highlighted the importance of public cooperation in maintaining security.

“This isn’t just a military win — it’s a blueprint for how trust between citizens and soldiers can isolate lawless elements,” Osias said. He urged remaining insurgents to surrender and avail of the government’s reintegration programs, including those under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

Authorities have since intensified pursuit operations and established checkpoints to block potential rebel regrouping. Coordination between the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police (PNP) and local officials has also been strengthened.

Persistent threat

The encounter challenges the assumption of total peace in Bulacan and nearby provinces, reminding residents that isolated insurgent activities persist in the peripheries of Metro Manila.

Just recently, on 9 July, a New People’s Army (NPA) member surrendered to authorities in Bulacan.

Earlier this year, on 21 March, an ambush in the province left two dead and one wounded.

On 19 January, the PNP reported that several NPA members and supporters in Central Luzon, including some from Bulacan, surrendered under the government’s reintegration initiative.

While there are currently no reports of major rebel formations operating in Metro Manila, intelligence sources confirm sporadic encounters with remnants of the NPA in nearby areas like Bulacan — proximity that security analysts say “cannot be ignored.”