EIGHT members of the New People’s Army, including two women, were killed on Monday in a gun battle with soldiers in the mountainous town of Tineg, Abra.

Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz, Army commander, said the soldiers have recovered at least eight high- powered firearms during the clash, which was still raging as of 5 p.m.

He said troops from the Army’s 41st Infantry Battalion were on combat patrol when they encountered at least 20 rebels in barangay Caganayan at about 7:45 a.m.

A soldier was killed during the firefight.

Ortiz said two helicopters, including an MG-520 ground attack plane, were sent to provide air support and troop reinforcement to the engaged personnel.

In Bukidnon the National Police said guerrillas also harassed civilians, including foreigners in Malaybalay City.

Chief Supt. Agrimero Cruz Jr., National Police spokesman, said the Mount Moriah Camp and New Faith Children’s Home at sitio Pal-ing, barangay Patpat, were fired at by communist guerrillas at about 3:45 a.m.

“Inhabitants of the camp and the 13 foreign visitors billeted there are all safe,” said Cruz.

Meanwhile, the military believed that the death of rebel spokesman Gregorio “Ka Roger” Rosal could demoralize insurgents as he was being looked up to as their leader.

Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos, Armed Forces Public Information Office chief, said that while the military condoles with the relatives of Rosal, his demise could also boost the morale of the soldiers.

“Gregorio Rosal belongs to the first generation of New People’s Army members, he had a lot of followings. Unlike him, the new generation of members no longer stay long in the organization,” he said.