9 suspected NPAs killed in Bukidnon clash on Christmas Day — military

Nine suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in a military operation in Malaybalay City in Bukidnon on Monday, Christmas Day, the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) said.

In a statement, the 4ID said it conducted offensives against the communist rebels in the hinterlands of barangays Can-ayan, Kibalabag, Kulaman, and Mapulo early morning.

Eight firearms were also recovered during the operation.

There were no reported casualties on the military side.

The encounter happened after the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) declared a unilateral ceasefire from December 25 to 26 in observation of its 55th founding anniversary.

In a separate statement, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Colonel Xerxes Trinidad said the military will remain vigilant despite the CPP ceasefire declaration.

“We will be watchful and our operations will continue unabated to keep our communities safe and end the communist armed conflict, once and for all. The defeat of this threat aligns with the collective wish of all Filipinos,” Trinidad said.

“The unilateral ceasefire declared by the CPP is an empty statement as they do not have the leadership and support of the masses. Their ammunition are depleted and their members, supporters included, are surrendering,” he added.

In late November, the military ruled out declaring a ceasefire with the CPP-NPA for the Christmas season. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News