4 suspected NPA rebels killed, 9 others captured in Bukidnon clash —military

Four alleged members of the New People’s Army were killed while nine others were captured after the encounter between the rebels and government troops in Bukidnon on Wednesday, the military said.

In a statement, the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) said the 88th Infantry Battalion conducted strike operations in Barangay Mabuhay in San Fernando in response to a report on alleged extortion activities.

The government troops encountered around 20 suspected rebels under alias Migz, the alleged front secretary of Guerilla Front Malayag of the Sub Regional Committee 2 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

The firefight, which started around 8 a.m., lasted for an hour, the military said.

At least four unidentified rebels were killed and two others were captured.

Seized items were three AK47 rifles, four M16 rifles, and an M203 grenade launcher.

During the pursuit operation, seven more suspected rebels, including a 12-year-old child, were captured, according to the military.

Another eight high-powered firearms including two AK47 rifles, three M16 rifles, an M14 rifle, and two M653 rifles were seized.

Major General Romeo Brawner Jr., commander of the 4ID, assured the public that the rebel will not win against the government, as he commended the troops for the operation.

“I assure you that they will not win against the government especially with the people on our side, as the people have long wanted to live in peace and collectively pursue development initiatives,” he said.—Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA News