By Priam Nepomuceno

CAPTURED. A New People’s Army (NPA) communist insurgent, an M-16 automatic rifle, and various war materiels were recovered by troopers from the 2nd Infantry Division shortly after a clash with rebel forces in San Jose town, Occidental Mindoro on Sunday (March 29, 2026). In the same encounter, a military official was killed while two soldiers were wounded. (Photo courtesy of the 2nd Infantry Division)

MANILA – A Philippine Army (PA) junior officer was killed while a New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was captured following an encounter in San Jose town, Occidental Mindoro on Sunday.

PA 2nd Infantry Division public affairs office chief Col. Michael Aquino, in a statement on Monday, said soldiers from the 203rd Infantry Battalion were conducting pursuit operations at Sitio Salafay in Barangay Monteclaro when they encountered around 15 or more NPA members, triggering 20-minute skirmish that coincided with the rebel group’s 57th anniversary.

Troops recovered one M-16 rifle, a hand grenade, and improvised explosive device components from the encounter site.

Aquino identified the slain officer as 1st Lt. Dean Oyando. Two other soldiers were wounded, one of whom was brought to the AFP Medical Center for further medical treatment.

“1st Lt. Dean Oyando embodied the courage and dedication of the Filipino soldier. His ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace strengthens our resolve to continue the mission he bravely carried out —to protect our communities and secure lasting peace in our area of responsibility,” he added.

Aquino, meanwhile, said government military operations in the area have disrupted and further weakened the NPA remnants’ capability to fight.

“Our continuous operations have undeniably disrupted the armed group’s movements and significantly diminished their capabilities. The terrorist NPA cannot hide from the long arms of the government as we build on the ultimate sacrifice of our fallen comrade and continue to apply the full force of the command to prevent them from regrouping,” he said.

Aquino also urged the public to remain vigilant and support ongoing security efforts.

“We encourage the public to stay alert and to coordinate with local authorities in reporting any information that may help in our operations,” he added.

Operations remain ongoing as troops continue to press the pursuit against the fleeing NPA members while securing affected communities in the area.

Sunday’s encounter follows an earlier clash on March 24 in the same barangay involving the same unit, where troops also clashed with the communist insurgents, resulting in the recovery of a firearm and the discovery of bloodstains indicating possible enemy casualties. (PNA)