Manila, Dec. 11 -- A member of the New People's Army (NPA) was killed in a clash with soldiers in the upland Gusaran village in Silvino Lubos, Northern Samar on Wednesday.

The Philippine Army (PA) said the 30-minute clash between troops of 19th Infantry Battalion and rebels took place at around 6:57 a.m. following a tip from a concerned citizen who reported the group's extortion and other illegal activities.

Troops recovered from the encounter site one M16 rifle, two magazines, backpacks, a bandolier, personal items and various documents believed to be subversive in nature.

The PA's 8th Infantry Division (ID) described the encounter as a "crushing blow" against remnants of the sub-regional committee Emporium of the NPA Eastern Visayas ...