2 NPA combatants killed in clash with troops in Northern Samar

Two New People's Army (NPA) combatants were killed in an armed encounter with government troops in San Jose village, Mapanas, Northern Samar on Wednesday.

During the clash, which lasted only minutes but was intense, soldiers seized two M16 rifles, hundreds of M14 ammunition, and other weapons from the site.

Government forces outmaneuvered the rebels, causing them to flee without any government casualties reported by the Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Division.

The military operation was initiated in response to local residents' reports of extortion activities by armed individuals in upland communities.

Northern Samar remains a stronghold for NPA due to its dense forests and poor road networks, providing ideal conditions for rebel activities.