BUTUAN CITY, March 23 -- Two New People's Army (NPA) rebels were killed in an encounter that occurred on Sunday afternoon in the periphery of Barangay Nurcia, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, the military here said.

"Troops from the 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB) were conducting a security operation in the area when the encounter happened," the 401st Infantry Brigade (401st IBde) said in a statement on Monday.

The operation was launched after residents reported the presence of NPA rebels in the area, particularly the remnants of Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad Westland under the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

Following the firefight, the NPA rebels abandoned their position, leaving behind their two dead comrades, who were later ide...