Manila, June 9 -- The Philippine Army has identified three of the five members of the communist New People's Army (NPA) members who died during recent armed clashes with government troops in Catubig, Northern Samar.

In a statement on Monday, the Army's 8th Infantry Division (8ID) announced that the remains of the slain NPA rebels were turned over to their respective families through direct coordination with local government units.

Those identified among the fatalities are Noel Lebico Sr. of Roxas village in Catubig town, Arnel Aquino of Osmena village in Palapag town, and Nonoy Norcio of Luneta village in Gamay town. Their identities were confirmed by alias "In-In", a former vice squad leader under the NPA Eastern Visayas Regional Party...