TACLOBAN CITY, March 20 -- A series of clashes between soldiers and the New People's Army (NPA) ensued Tuesday in the upland village of Bagacay, Palapag, Northern Samar, killing a rebel and also led to the recovery of three high-powered firearms.

The Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Division reported on Wednesday that government troops found an unidentified dead NPA combatant after a series of armed encounters in the area.

Soldiers also found a banned anti-personnel mine, medical paraphernalia, subversive documents, and other war materials.

Capt. Jefferson Mariano, spokesperson for the Army's 8th Infantry Division, said clearing efforts are still ongoing as troops on the ground have seen heavy bloodstain along their route of withdrawal, ...