Paranas: Two combatants of the New People's Army (NPA) were killed and war materiel was seized during a series of encounters in upland Sto. Ni±o village in Paranas town, Samar province, the Philippine Army reported Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine Army's 801st Infantry Brigade (IB) stated that the first clash broke out at about 5 a.m. on Wednesday when troops of the 33rd Special Forces Company and the 87th IB encountered an undetermined number of armed rebels belonging to the Yakal platoon, sub-regional committee browser of the NPA's Eastern Visayas regional party committee.

Three hours later, other troops of the unit encountered the same band of rebels attempting to evade government forces, as per the brigade. Minutes after the second encounter, the blocking forces of the 87th IB encountered the fleeing rebels, resulting in a three-minute firefight that killed two unidentified NPA combatants.

Soldiers also seized an array of weaponry, including one M16 rifle, one caliber .45 pistol, two International Humanitarian Law-banned anti-personnel mines, one rifle grenade, assorted magazines, ammunition, and other war materiel.

In a statement, Brig. Gen. Lenart Lelina, commander of the 801st IB, extended his sympathies to the slain rebels' families, emphasizing the tragedy of the loss of life. He reiterated the military's commitment to peace and reconciliation, urging remaining terrorists to consider laying down their arms and participating in the government's reintegration programs to build a more peaceful and progressive future.

The clash occurred as government forces intensified their focused military operation following information from concerned civilians about a group of armed men conducting extortion activities in their community.

Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the Army's 8th Infantry Division, credited the operation's success to the community's concern and willingness to assist the government in eradicating armed rebellion in Samar. He highlighted the strong response to the people's desire to be free from the continuous threats of the remaining terrorists and assured ongoing efforts to eliminate the NPA presence in Eastern Visayas. Despite the aggressive operations, Orio noted the government's continued willingness to help those willing to surrender and pursue a peaceful life with their families.