ILOILO CITY, Feb. 28 -- Three New People's Army (NPA) rebels were killed during an encounter with soldiers in the village of Torocadan, San Joaquin town in Iloilo before dawn Wednesday.

The 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) of the 301st Infantry Brigade (301IBde) was conducting a focused military operation in the area when they were attacked by around 20 members of the Southern Panay Front, Komiteng Rehiyon - Panay (SPF KR-Panay) under Nahum Camariosa alias Bebong, the 301st Infantry Brigade said in a statement.

The exchange of fire happened at 3:20 a.m. and lasted for about 20 minutes until the rebels retreated, leaving three of their comrades.

Recovered during the clearing operations at the encounter site which also served as the rebels...