Elements of the Philippines Army 15th Infantry Battalion Alpha Company clashed with an armed group believed to be comprised of New People’s Army (NPA) members last Friday at Sitio Baliw in Barangay Bagtik, Mabinay, Negros Oriental.

Information released by the 302nd Infantry Brigade said the gun battle ensued for 30 minutes, concluding with the suspected NPA rebels retreating to different directions.

Government forces recovered one assault rifle, 11 ammunition magazines, one landmine, rifle grenade, radio, subversive documents, and personal belongings of the rebels.

They added, government forces did not suffer any casualties but it is believed an undetermined number of rebels were wounded in the battle.

Troops immediately conducted a hot-pursuit operation following the clash./DGB, WDJ