INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
ILIGAN CITY — Nine New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in an armed encounter on Christmas day with government troops in the hinterlands of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, a top regional Army official said.
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 Communist Party of the Philippines on Tuesday.
Cuerpo added that the soldiers also recovered eight firearms in the encounter site.
No soldier was hurt in the clash, Cuerpo further said.
This encounter occurred amid the unilateral ceasefire declared by the Communist Party of the Philippines, which the military did not recognize. DIVINA M. SUSON and JOHN ERIC MENDOZA