TACLOBAN CITY, Dec. 19 -- Two New People's Army (NPA) combatants were killed in a clash with government troops Friday morning in Northern Samar, the military reported.

The Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Division said patrolling soldiers from the 20th Infantry Battalion engaged rebels around 6:50 a.m. in upland Bulao village in Las Navas town.

Troops recovered three M16 rifles from the scene.

Military officials said they are verifying the identities of the two rebels, believed to be members of the NPA's Eastern Visayas regional party committee.

"Government forces remain on heightened alert to prevent the NPA's regrouping and to ensure the safety of local communities," the 8ID said in a statement, adding that clearing operations continu...