Suspected communist rebel killed in Bukidnon —military

An suspected member of a communist rebel group was killed during an encounter with state troops in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on April 18, the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) said on Thursday.

In a statement, the military said troops from the 403rd Brigade's 1st Special Forces Battalion clashed with the group, of which the fatality is believed to have been a medical officer, during intensified focused operations.

Eastmincom said the troops prevented an alleged plan of the rebel group to raid construction companies in charge of building road projects.

Recovered from the encounter site were  high-powered firearms and other war materiel including two M16 rifles, hand grenade, assorted magazines, ammunition, and backpacks.

Eastmincom chief Lieutenant General Greg Almerol hit the rebels for being “anti-development” citing their alleged plan to attack construction companies.

"This shows that the CTG wants to prevent the people from enjoying the benefits of peace. This is their response to our development efforts strongly favored by the locals because they want them to remain poor and dependent to the terrorist movement," he said. — Joviland Rita/BM, GMA News