CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Government troops pursuing members of the Communist New People’s Army (NPA) encountered fleeing rebels at Sitio Tacocon, Barangay Kasapa II, La Paz, Agusan del Sur, on Monday, military reports said.

The running gun battle resulted in one rebel killed and the recovery of a high-powered firearm. The identity of the deceased has yet to be confirmed.

In a separate operation, troops from the army’s 36th Infantry “Valor” Battalion clashed with NPA rebels, leading to the recovery of abandoned weapons, ammunition, and supplies. Items seized included a Russian-made AK-47 assault rifle with a defaced serial number, magazines, ammunition, a rifle grenade, medical equipment, and camp supplies.

No casualties were reported among government forces, while rebel casualties in the second encounter remain undetermined.

The operations targeted members of the NPA identified as elements of Squad 2 and Squad 3 of the Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad (SRSDG) Westland, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

Clearing and security operations are ongoing in the hinterlands to ensure the safety of nearby communities.