ARMY OFFICER KILLED, NPA REBEL CAPTURED IN MINDORO CLASH

A Philippine Army junior officer, 1st Lt. Dean Oyando, was killed while two others were wounded in a 20-minute encounter with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. Soldiers from the 203rd Infantry Battalion captured one NPA member and recovered an M-16 rifle, hand grenade, and improvised explosive device components at the site. The clash coincided with the NPA’s 57th anniversary, and government forces said their operations have disrupted the rebels’ capabilities in the area. Col. Michael Aquino honored Oyando’s sacrifice, emphasizing the military’s continued mission to protect communities and secure lasting peace. Pursuit operations are ongoing as troops aim to neutralize remaining NPA members while safeguarding local residents.