TACLOBAN CITY, Dec. 5 -- The Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Division (8ID) on Friday condemned the New People's Army (NPA) for what it called "heinous violations" of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) following a Dec. 3 encounter in Samar that left two soldiers dead.

The 8ID said troops were deployed after residents reported NPA members forcibly entering private properties and using civilian homes as temporary hideouts.

Upon arriving in the upland Babaclayon village in San Jose de Buan, soldiers were met with heavy gunfire, prompting a defensive response.

"The soldiers maneuvered to protect civilians within the area but were treacherously targeted by the armed group, leading to the death of two troops who were performing security ope...