Terrified locals hid inside their homes during a firefight between communist rebels and the military in the Philippines.

Dramatic footage captured by Ronald Vargas shows residents sheltering inside their houses as multiple loud gunshots echoed through remote areas of Samar on Sunday, November 23.

One resident was spotted cautiously stepping outside, seemingly to check the situation.

Ronald said: 'We were all gripped by fear and trauma. It was truly terrifying as we heard the gunfire around us.'

Reports indicate that at least 29 families, totalling 88 individuals, were affected by the clash and have since been evacuated.

The fighting erupted between the New People's Army (NPA) and the 46th Infantry (Peacemaker) Battalion in the towns of Gandara and San Jorge.

Authorities confirmed that at least one female member of the rebel group was killed. They also recovered two M16 rifles, one M14 rifle, and other combat equipment.

Major General Adonis Orio, 8th Infantry Division commander, said: 'Every successful operation brings us closer to a more stable and progressive Region 8. We remain steadfast in our duty to safeguard our communities so development can take root and flourish.'

Military forces are actively pursuing the fleeing communist rebels.

The New People's Army (NPA) is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Founded in 1969, it has waged a decades-long guerrilla war in rural areas across the country, aiming to overthrow the government and establish a 'people's democratic state'.