Manila, Feb. 18 -- The Philippine Army commended residents of San Jorge, Samar, for reporting the presence of New People's Army (NPA) members, leading to a brief armed encounter in the area, officials said Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Esmeraldo Sumalinog, commander of the Army's 14th Infantry Battalion, said troops clashed with six NPA rebels in the hinterlands of Barangay Mobo-ob on Feb. 16 following reports from concerned residents about armed groups conducting intimidation and extortion activities.

"We are grateful to the local residents who reported the presence of this armed group. Your cooperation is vital in our campaign to end the local communist armed conflict. Rest assured that our troops will remain committed and will continue to inte...