Manila, Sept. 2 -- At least 10 rebels were killed, and four others surrendered in Northern Samar province as a result of the intensified campaign to wipe out the New People's Army (NPA).

The Philippine Army reported on Tuesday that the momentum began on July 31, when eight NPA fighters died during two successive encounters in upland San Isidro village in Las Navas, Northern Samar, against the Eastern Visayas regional party committee (EVRPC) headquarters.

Four of the eight killed were key communist leaders. The clash also led to the surrender of one rebel and the seizure of 10 high-powered firearms, degrading the operational and armed capabilities of the EVRPC.

On Aug. 24, three more rebels voluntarily surrendered to the 78th Infantry B...