Government Forces Recover NPA Arms in Oriental Mindoro Clash
Government forces recovered weapons and personal belongings left behind by suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels following a fierce clash with Army soldiers in Mansalay town, Oriental Mindoro, on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. This latest encounter highlights the ongoing efforts to dismantle insurgent groups in the area.
Lt. Colonel Jeffrex Molina, spokesperson for the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division (2nd ID) based in Tanay, Rizal, reported that the clash erupted after villagers alerted authorities about armed men spotted in the vicinity. Troops from the 4th Infantry Battalion swiftly conducted a patrol and engaged the suspected NPA fighters.
Details of Recovered Items and Encounter
The government forces seized an M16 rifle, three bandoliers, 22 magazines, and 124 rounds of ammunition. They also recovered three backpacks, a generator set, six hammocks, 16 poncho tents, a sack of rice, and assorted vitamins and medicines. The firefight lasted approximately 15 minutes, officials reported.
While no government troops sustained injuries, Lt. Colonel Molina mentioned that “possible casualties on the terrorist NPAs are currently being verified after bloodstains were discovered at the encounter site.” Security forces have since established checkpoints in key areas to support ongoing pursuit operations against the fleeing rebels.
Intensified Anti-Insurgency Drive in Mindoro
The 2nd Infantry Division has stepped up its anti-insurgency campaign across Mindoro to clear the island of remaining communist guerrillas. The military aims to restore lasting peace and security for local communities before the year ends, community members said.
Recent clashes in Mindoro underscore the persistent insurgent threat. On August 12, a deadly firefight in Baco town resulted in the deaths of three Army soldiers and injuries to three others. Earlier, on August 7, troops engaged suspected NPA fighters in Roxas town, killing two rebels and seizing weapons and explosives.
Previous Encounters and Military Operations
Earlier in the month, on August 1, soldiers clashed with NPA rebels in Barangay Naibuan, San Luis, Occidental Mindoro. The encounter ended with the death of one guerrilla. Troops recovered an M16 rifle, ammunition, mobile phones, and subversive documents from the site, local leaders noted.
The 2nd Infantry Division oversees military operations not only in Oriental and Occidental Mindoro but also in Calabarzon provinces (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon), Marinduque, and Romblon. Their coordinated efforts continue to focus on dismantling insurgent groups and enhancing security in these regions.
For more news and updates on NPA arms and items recovered, visit Filipinokami.com.
