A soldier and three suspected communist rebels were killed in a gun battle in Barangay Datu Ito Andong, Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

Troops of the 37th Infantry Battalion were conducting a decisive military operation when they engaged the alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) led by alias “Agaw” in a firefight.

The exchange of fire lasted for nearly an hour, which resulted in the death of the three rebels, who are facing charges for attempted murder, frustrated murder, and murder.

Government troops recovered three M16 rifles, magazines, ammunition, and personal belongings from the clash site.

The 6th Infantry Division (6ID) also confirmed that a soldier was killed during the encounter.

603rd Infantry Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Michael Santos, ordered the troops to pursue the remaining NPA combatants to ensure public safety in the province.

“Nakikiramay kami sa pamilya ng ating bayaning sundalo na nagbuwis ng buhay para sa kapayapaan at seguridad ng ating mga kababayan. Gayundin, bilang mga kapwa Pilipino, bibigyan natin ng disenteng libing ang mga nasawing rebelde bilang tanda ng ating paggalang sa karapatang pantao, sa kabila ng kanilang pagkaligaw ng landas,” Santos said.

“Lubos naming ikinalulungkot ang pangyayaring ito. Bagama’t magkaibang panig, kapwa Pilipino ang nasawi at nagbubuwis ng buhay. Nananawagan kami sa natitirang mga kasapi ng armadong kilusan—ibaba na ninyo ang inyong mga armas at makiisa sa kapayapaan. Bukas ang ating gobyerno sa mga nais magbagong-buhay,” 6ID Commander, Major General Donald Gumiran, added.