DAVAO CITY –— Nine (9) members of the New Peoples Army (NPA) terrorists were killed on Christmas Day in an encounter between soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division this morning, December 25, in the remote villages of Bukidnon province.
The encounter happened a day before the December 26 founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
Major General Jose Maria Cuerpo, commanding general of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, said the rebels appeared to be preparing for a gathering in time for the founding anniversary of the CPP-NPA on Tuesday.
The encounter took place in remote areas of Barangay Can-ayan, Barangay Kibalabag, Barangay Kulaman and Barangay Mapulo in Malaybalay, Bukidnon.
The military reported that Six (6) men and three (3) women terrorists were killed in the encounter.
It is still being investigated if there is a high ranking NPA personality among the deceased.
Among those recovered were 8 weapons.
