8 suspected NPA rebels killed in Northern Samar clashes

Eight suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels were killed in two separate armed encounters in Las Navas, Northern Samar on Thursday.

The clashes occurred after soldiers acted on information from a civilian about rebels extorting and threatening farmers in the area.

In the first encounter, seven suspected rebels were killed and several firearms, including five M16 rifles and one R4 rifle with an attached M203 grenade launcher, were seized after soldiers assaulted a hideout allegedly surrounded by International Humanitarian Law-banned Anti-Personnel Mines.

Reinforcing troops encountered more rebels later in the morning, resulting in one more death and the seizure of an additional R4 rifle.

Major General Adonis Ariel G. Orio stated that the outcome is considered a major accomplishment in the government's anti-insurgency campaign.