CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) -- Soldiers have recovered war material following an encounter between the government forces and rebels in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro on Monday, May 8, 2023.

Troops from the 76th Infantry Battalion and Philippine National Police (PNP) Oriental Mindoro were conducting combat operations at Barangay Tawas in Bongabong which led to 25-minute firefight against 15 armed personalities.

They are believed to be remnants of ICM led by alias "IDA," its Secretary, from the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee’s Sub-Regional Military Area 4D.

There was no casualty among the troops, while casualties on the rebels’ side are being determined after blood stain was seen at the encounter site.

Among the items recovered by the troops were two M16 rifles, one M203 Grenade Launcher, two IEDs, two short and three long magazines for M16 rifle, 125 rounds of5.56mm cartridges, one M203 ammunition, one bandolier, 3 cellular phones, personal belongings, and subversive documents.

Pursuit operations are now ongoing against the fleeing rebels.

“We will be relentless in our focused military operations to ensure the security and safety of our communities from the atrocities of the CPP-NPA-NDF. Together with the LGUs and key stakeholders, we renew our call to the remaining NPAs to surrender and leave the armed struggle to have a better future with your families through the government’s peace programs prepared for you,” 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division Commander Major General Roberto S. Capulong said in a statement. (Press Release from 2ID/GATS/PIA MIMAROPA)