NINE members of the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in a series of encounters in the hinterlands of Malaybalay City in Bukidnon on Christmas day.
According to the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) of the Philippine Army, the gunfights occurred in the villages of Can-ayan, Kibalabag, Kulaman, and Mapulo.
Eight high-powered firearms, assorted ammunition, and personal belongings were recovered by government forces from the encounter sites.
“The 4ID has sustained its military offensives against the communist terrorist groups on Christmas Day,” the 4ID said.
The 4ID said three of the nine killed were women.
The rebels battled it out against forces from the 8th and 88th Infantry Battalions and the 1st Special Forces Battalion.
Pursuit operations against the other fleeing rebels were ongoing.
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